The jazz program at Fairview offers students at all levels the opportunity to learn and grow with the jazz idiom. Rigorous instruction takes place in the classroom four times per week during a regularly scheduled class period. In addition, students can audition to play in student-led combos that meet each week for a double period on block day.
Fairview has historically drawn a highly talented array of jazz students as evidenced by their top scores at local jazz festivals as well as the inclusion of Fairvew students in Colorado All State Jazz and the Colorado All Stars. Performance opportunities include fall, winter, and spring concerts at Fairvew; spring jazz festivals; participation in Fairview's Extravaganza! event in the fall and Pops in the spring.
There are four levels of jazz at Fairview with Jazz I being Fairview's top jazz band. Expectations for each level include the following:
• A competent level of performance on chosen instrument.
• Beginning to advancing understanding of fundamentals of improvisation.
• Desire to listen to and understand styles of jazz.
• Cooperative attitude towards other parts of the Fairview Instrumental Music program.
Jazz students are charged an annual fee that covers a performance shirt (and tie, for Jazz I students), music, jazz festival entrance fees, and transportation to and from jazz festivals. Attendance at school and jazz festival performances as well as anywhere else the jazz bands play, is required. Auditions for all levels are held approximately the second week in May for the following year. It is also understood that all incoming wind and percussion players will be willing to participate in the Fairview's Marching/Concert Band program unless they are involved in a fall sport or have received exemption from the Fairview Jazz Directors.