Amped School of Music invites all FM-area high school students (grades 9-12) to enroll in our inaugural Jazz Combo Course Workshop!
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The program is coached by Amped instructor Max Johnk, and will focus on small-group jazz performance practice, improvisation, and repertoire.
Students who enroll will get the chance to rehearse and perform with their peers from other band programs, and learn more about this vital American art form.

SESSIONS

MARCH SESSION - $99
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6-6:30 PM. March 15, 22, 29
Performance: Thursday, April 6th at 8 PM
Deadline to Enroll: March 12th

enroll here

COURSE FEATURES

• Three weekly rehearsals, each focusing on specific repertoire, including bebop, hard bop, latin, and contemporary styles.
• A performance on week 4, headlining Amped’s monthly Open Mic Night at the Sons of Norway Troll Lounge!
• A professional multitrack recording of the performance will be provided to all students! Great for both personal archive, and future auditions.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Max Johnk
​Max Johnk is a bassist, composer and teacher. Max earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2011, and went on to earn his master’s degree in jazz studies from Northern Illinois University in 2014. While at NIU, he played in the nationally recognized NIU Jazz Ensemble and the Rosebud Foundation Jazztet.
Read Max's full bio here.

ENROLLMENT

The workshop is for vocalists and instrumentalists (on any instrument) in grades 9-12. Previous high school-level jazz band experience OR a recommendation from a band/orchestra/choir/private teacher required.​

​The workshop will be filled primarily on a first-come, first-serve basis, although minimal auditioning is necessary to match students of similar skill level and experience. Depending on number of applicants, multiple groups may be established, so please do not hesitate to apply. Applicants are not guaranteed a slot, but Amped will accommodate as many students as possible each session.

Audition Recordings

1. A voice memo recording (no video) of the student playing the melody and ONE chorus of improvisation on “Blues in the Closet”. Please DO NOT use a play along or backing track.

2. A second voice memo recording (no video) of the student playing anything they want to share. This can be another jazz tune, an improvisation, a classical solo piece, or just about anything. Please keep this brief, but have fun with it! Again, NO BACKING TRACKS or other forms of prerecording.

Recordings can be sent when submitting the Enrollment Form.

Enrollment Form

enroll here

Deadline to Enroll: March 12th