Future Jazz Ensembles
Future Jazz KC gives young musicians the chance to rehearse, perform, improvise, collaborate, and grow in a serious but supportive jazz community.
Sign Up for AuditionsExplore Our Ensembles
Future Jazz KC offers ensemble opportunities for middle school and high school musicians who want to grow as improvisers, readers, collaborators, and performers. Students rehearse weekly, study jazz language and ensemble playing, and perform throughout the year under the guidance of professional musicians and educators.
Placement is based on age, experience, instrumentation, and audition results. Each ensemble is designed to challenge students while helping them build confidence, musical independence, and community.
Northland Ensembles
Future Jazz Northland ensembles serve students north of the river through big band, combo, and middle school jazz opportunities.
Joel Gordon
Future Jazz Northland Big Band
The Future Jazz Northland Big Band gives high school students the opportunity to study and perform classic and contemporary big band music while developing ensemble skills, sight-reading, improvisation, section playing, blend, phrasing, and professional rehearsal habits.
- Big band repertoire
- Section playing and ensemble skills
- Improvisation and performance experience
Future Jazz Northland Combo
The Future Jazz Northland Combo focuses on small-group jazz performance, improvisation, listening, and musical communication. Students learn how to interact in a smaller ensemble setting, take musical risks, support one another, and develop their individual voices.
- Small-group interaction
- Jazz standards and blues
- Creative leadership and collaboration
Future Jazz Northland Middle School Ensemble
The Future Jazz Northland Middle School Ensemble introduces younger students to the fundamentals of jazz performance. Students build skills in rhythm, improvisation, reading, listening, and ensemble playing while learning how to participate in a jazz group with confidence.
- Jazz fundamentals
- Confidence-building
- Preparation for high school jazz
JCCC / Overland Park Ensembles
Future Jazz JCCC ensembles serve students in Overland Park and the surrounding area through big band, combo, and middle school jazz opportunities.
Dr. Ryan Heinlein
Future Jazz JCCC Big Band
The Future Jazz JCCC Big Band provides high school students with a high-level big band experience focused on musicianship, improvisation, section playing, and performance. Students study traditional jazz repertoire alongside newer works and arrangements that reflect the living language of jazz.
- Traditional and contemporary jazz
- Reading and improvisation
- Full ensemble performance experience
Future Jazz JCCC Combo
The Future Jazz JCCC Combo gives students the chance to develop as improvisers and small-group musicians. Students work on listening, interaction, soloing, accompaniment, form, groove, and musical decision-making.
- Improvisation and interaction
- Musical independence
- Real-time collaboration
Future Jazz JCCC Middle School Ensemble
The Future Jazz JCCC Middle School Ensemble helps younger musicians build a strong foundation in jazz. Students learn the basics of swing, improvisation, ensemble playing, jazz repertoire, and creative collaboration in a welcoming and structured environment.
- Swing and jazz basics
- Creative collaboration
- Foundation for future jazz study
Auditions & Placement
Auditions help us place students in the ensemble where they can grow, contribute, and be appropriately challenged. Placement is based on age, experience, instrumentation, and current musical development.
Submit Your Form
Students begin by completing the Future Jazz KC audition sign-up form.
Complete Your Audition
Students submit audition materials so staff can determine the best placement.
Join an Ensemble
Families receive placement information, rehearsal details, and next steps.