Jazz Lab Band |
Blue Two Band |
Led by Mr. Picanco
Room 585 Schedule Jazz Band 1-2/3-8 |
Led by Mr. Mitter
Room 715 Schedule Jazz Band 1-2/3-8 |
Primarily 9th grade students and students new to jazz. The Lab Band is where students learn the foundations of playing jazz, swing, funk, latin, and rock styles as well intensive training in improvisation and music theory. All students with a background in playing an instrument are welcome in this ensemble and those who do not play a traditional big band instrument will gain training on one of said traditional instruments, a.k.a "doubling." Designed to develop a students playing a performance skills, this ensemble performs at various on and off campus "gigs" and can be taken both semesters.
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This band is for students with a good foundation in jazz stylings and improvisation ready to develop into more advanced techniques. With a heavy focus into improvisation techniques, this ensemble is directed by Mr. Tom Mitter. This ensemble performs at various on and off campus "gigs" and can be taken both semesters. Students who complete a year of Jazz Lab graduate into this ensemble automatically. Incoming 9th graders or new students to the jazz program may audition for an opportunity to be placed directly into this ensemble.
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Blue One Band |
Gold Band |
Led by Mr. Picanco
Room 585 Schedule Jazz Band 1-2/3-8 |
Led by Mr. Picanco
Room 585 Schedule Jazz Band 1-2/3-8 |
The Blue One band is a traditional jazz big band by instrumentation. This band will play a wide variety of music from the traditional jazz of the early 1900's to modern day contemporary jazz and commercial music. This ensemble performs on and off campus, with a heavier schedule in the spring semester with festival performances, night gigs, and tours. Players in this band should expect to learn between 15-20 different pieces of music throughout the year, spend time advancing their improvisation skills, and understanding of functional music theory and jazz styling. All students must audition to gain placement in this ensemble and is open to students of all grade levels.
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The premier jazz band at Millikan High School. The Gold Band follows a similar description of the Blue One Band, but plays more music, more advanced music, performs more, and meets during Zero Period. Students should expect to learn between 20-30 pieces of music, have various performances, and take part in the jazz tours in the spring time. This is an audition only ensemble.
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Gold/Blue Combos |
Student Run Combos |
Led by Mr. Picanco & Mr. Mitter
Room 585 |
Led by Mr. Picanco & Mr. Mitter
Room 585 |
During the spring semester or early summer MHS Jazz may participate in a tour to various locations outside of Southern California where students will get to experience life as a road musician. Performing various gigs a different locations, receiving clinics from top jazz musicians of different areas, and experiencing the sights and sounds of somewhere other than Long Beach. For these playing and learning opportunities we’ve formed the Gold and Blue combos for students to participate in. This is an audition only ensemble, not part of any other class. Rehearsals may be before school, after school, or during lunch. Audition information will be announced each September.
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A combo is basically a small student band playing jazz related music. Any and all students are encouraged to form the combos with their fellow students to learn, play, and even write their own music. Student combos have various performance opportunities, but they are largely the responsibility of the students to find them. These performance opportunities could even be paying gigs! These groups are completely led by students, but any student combo and book rehearsal time with Mr. Picanco or Mr. Mitter during lunch or a conference period for help. Student combos also have the opportunity of competing at festivals attended by other bands at Millikan High School.
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Upcoming Events and News
Remind Class Codes
Download the app from any app store and find the class by searching the code. OR text to the number 81010, and place the code in the text box. Remind.com for further help.
Blue Two:@MHSjbb
Blue One: @MHSjbb
Gold Band: @MHSjg
Lab Band: Not Used
Combos: Not Used
Blue Two:@MHSjbb
Blue One: @MHSjbb
Gold Band: @MHSjg
Lab Band: Not Used
Combos: Not Used