Made possible in part by contributions from Ameren Missouri and THF Realty, with support from the Arthur and Helen Baer Foundation, JazzU places talented middle and high school musicians in small jazz combos, which meet weekly between September and May. This competitive program selected 55 emerging musicians from a pool of 85 who auditioned for the 2011-12 season. JazzU meets weekly beginning in the fall of each year (dates and times are determined by students’ schedules). Besides the benefit of weekly instruction from JazzU faculty members, students will have the opportunity to meet and work with musicians participating in the Jazz St. Louis Artist Residency Program, which have included such musicians as Terell Stafford, Jon Faddis, Esperanza Spalding, Sherman Irby, Byron Stripling, the Clayton Brothers, and Cyrus Chestnut.
Jazz St. Louis All-Stars
Sponsored by THF Realty, the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars comprises the top students in the JazzU program. Placement in this group is a result of JazzU auditions in the spring. The All-Star ensemble serves as JSL’s cultural ambassadors at many area events.
Classes Include
- Ensemble Playing
- Improvisation
- Music Theory Concepts
- Listening Strategies
JazzU Faculty
Regular JazzU faculty include the area’s finest musicians and educators, including Anthony Wiggins (trumpet), Cody Henry (trombone), Andy Ament (saxophone), Aaron Lehde (saxophone), Adaron Jackson (piano), Jason Swagler (saxophone), and Jazz St. Louis Director of Education, Phil Dunlap (piano). We are also pleased to have pianist Peter Martin as a permanent Artist-in-Residence with the JazzU program.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible to attend JazzU, students must be in any grade 6-12 and attend a school in the St. Louis Metro area (Missouri/Illinois).
Become a Member of JazzU
Members to the JazzU program are selected after auditions in the spring. To apply, download the application by clicking HERE. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 4, 2012. Late application will only be considered if space is available. Once the application materials have been received, students will be assigned an audition time. Auditions will be held on Monday, June 4 and Monday, June 11 at Jazz at the Bistro between 10 am and 8 pm. Current JazzU students must re audition each year and no student is guaranteed placement within the program. The information from this page can be downloaded by clicking HERE.
Tuition and Fees
We are able to offer accepted students scholarships that cover the cost of participation in the program. These scholarships allow us to keep JazzU free for all students.
Sponsored by
Arthur and Helen Baer Foundation