Jazz Combos
Rehearsals | Weekdays & Saturdays
RSC offers multiple jazz ensembles to accommodate adults and children of any ability. All rehearsals take place after school during the week or on Saturdays. Ensembles consist of four to seven players and focus on learning phrasing, communication, and group improvisation. Students are placed according to previous experience and instrumental ability.
Monthly Jazz Jams
RSC Jazz Jams take place monthly on Mondays @ 6:30 p.m. in Bradley Hall, Room 205. Both RSC jazz ensemble students and RSC students interested in jazz are invited to play tunes while making new friends. These Jazz Jams also offer students an opportunity to practice improvisation with the added challenge of working on tunes they may be unfamiliar with. Past tunes students have played at the Jazz Jams include music by Sonny Rollins, Wes Montgomery, and Thelonious Monk.
September 11, 2023
October 2, 2023
November 6, 2023
December 4, 2023
January 8, 2024
February 5, 2024
March 4, 2024
April 1, 2024
May 6, 2024
June 3, 2024
Jazz Improvisation – Beginner & Intermediate
Students learn the foundations for constructing a solo in a fun group setting. They also learn basic chord types and scales, as well as ways to create a coherent and interesting solo.
Tuition & Audition Information
Auditions for jazz ensembles are on-going throughout the year.
Tuition Rates
Contact
Philippe Crettien, Director of Jazz Studies
p.crettien@rivers.org
Testimonials
“While studying jazz at RSC, I find a certain camaraderie that is not found anywhere else. This is seen through my mentors as well as my peers. It is one of the only places where I can commune with people who share my passion for music and its performance.”
—Gavin B., 2027
“The RSC jazz combo has filled an important gap in my musical education. I greatly appreciate the dedication that Mr. Loschen has to his students; he’s patient, and I feel that I understand a concept better once he’s explained it. I appreciate how jazz lets me express myself in relation to others and look forward to playing with my peers each week.” —Ellen K., 2026
“The RSC jazz department has provided me with plenty of opportunities to grow as a musician, working under the leadership of Dan Loschen, Philippe Crettien, and many others. I was able to flourish in my piano and trumpet skills through plenty of private lessons and ensemble work, and I was even given the opportunity to work on bass in some groups. Years later, they were excited to welcome me back and assist them in their summer programs as a camp counselor, an experience I will value forever as an aspiring professional musician.”
—Russell H., 2021
“The RSC jazz department gave me an incredible foundation in jazz music, and provided me with the support to explore my own unique musical voice. My teachers consistently encouraged me to pursue my musical passions while inspiring me to be the best musician I could. Studying at RSC not only gave me the skills to jump into the professional world, but also cemented my love and appreciation for all forms of music.”
—Joe N., 2018