2025-2026 Jazz Auditions - 6/5/25

As this school year comes to a close, we're already looking ahead to the 2025-2026 jazz season! We are excited to continue offering four jazz ensembles, which will rehearse on Monday evenings (October-May) with start times at either 6:00 PM or 7:30 PM.

Auditions are open to all students interested in being part of the jazz program for the 2025-2026 school year. If you choose not to audition, you are still welcome to participate in our non-audition jazz ensemble in the fall.

Whether you're a returning member or new to jazz, we encourage you to audition! Placement will be based on musicianship, stylistic understanding, and ensemble readiness.

Please find the audition packet HERE. It includes:

• Audition excerpts and etudes

• Backing tracks for practice and performance

If you have any questions about the music or would like help preparing, don't hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to hearing your auditions and building another incredible year of jazz together!

Have a great summer!

Doug Brown

5/27/25 - Marching Band Updates

Hello everyone,

One last reminder that our welcome event is tomorrow 5/28! We can't wait to see everyone there. If you have a new member that is feeling nervous, just drop them off outside the band room, we'll take good care of them! 

Schedule for Welcome Event 5/28:

4-4:30pm: Welcome, instrument check out (as applicable), music hand out. Meet in band room. Please bring some water in case it is a little hot. If you're coming from Cross Plains, come as soon as you can. This is meant to give you some wiggle room for arrival. 

4:30-5:30pm: Music read through! (New members no need to worry about sight reading, most of us will be new to the music as well!) Meet your section!

5:30pm: Dismissal

Music: Section leaders will have your music on the day of the meet and greet. New members, it is NOT an expectation for you to play through or sight read any of the music at the same level as returning members. It is more of an opportunity to hear generally how the song goes, and give you an idea of what music you'll need to focus on, or might need help with. Show music will also be made available on the BAND app should you lose your initial copy.

BAND App: Students, please make sure you have joined the BAND App for easier communication/announcements as we get closer to the beginning of the season! This is where section leaders will initiate communication to help make the season run smoother for you!

Upcoming Dates:

5/28 - Welcome Meeting (4-5:30pm)

6/6 - Woodwind and Brass Music sectional (6-8pm Meet in Band Room)

Colorguard and Percussion might have additional meetings/rehearsals sent out via their more specific communications

_____ _____

Eric Rothacker

5/16/25 - Jazz Band Reading Session and 2025-2026 Audition Information

Dear Jazz Families,

We're excited to announce a special opportunity for all jazz musicians interested in joining the  2025-2026 Seven O'Clock Jazz Band!

We will be holding a jazz band reading session with Mr. Chris Behrens on June 2nd & June 4th at 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the Middleton High School Band Room.  Chris is the Jazz Instructor at Beloit Memorial High School and a 13 time National Essentially Ellington Finalist.  We look forward to learning from his experience and vast knowledge.

This session will serve both as an  introductory meeting and an  audition opportunity for next year's Seven O'Clock Jazz Band (the most advanced MHS jazz band). It's a great chance to meet other interested jazz students, play through some charts, and get a feel for the expectations and energy of the group.

Whether you're a returning member or new to the program, we strongly encourage you to attend both evenings if possible.  We expect to make some preliminary decisions about 7 O'Clock personnel at these June sessions, with final rosters to be determined after auditions in the fall.  If you are unable to attend next month, you can still prepare and audition in the fall; but please come if you are available.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Doug Brown