About The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program

The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program enables young musicians in grades 7 through 12 to receive a comprehensive music education, while fueling their passion for jazz. The program’s distinguished faculty includes some of today’s top jazz recording artists, educators, and performers. The curriculum is modeled after a university-level jazz conservatory, which includes instruction in big band, small group, theory, arranging, improvisation, masterclasses, and jazz history.

Did you know that The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program is home to the school's award-winning Ambassador Jazz Orchestra (AJO)? Click here to learn more about AJO and their amazing accomplishments.

Student Experience

Students in The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program experience a breadth of opportunities that enhance their development as musicians, including large jazz ensemble, small group combos, wind ensemble (winds, brass, percussion), specialized instrument masterclasses, and musicianship courses that focus on traditional harmony, and jazz arranging and composition. Once enrolled in the program, students have the opportunity to audition for placement in the award-winning Ambassador Jazz Orchestra (AJO), big band, or small jazz combo. In these groups, students receive a wide range of performing opportunities, which strengthen their musical and performance skills. In addition to school and community concerts, students participate in many of the major competitive jazz festivals and often perform in the community for special events and private parties. The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program’s curriculum also includes master classes and performances with major artists and educators, as well as participation in competitive festivals.

  • "The students of the Jazz Studies Program were really friendly, and we connected well over our shared love for jazz. The teachers were amazingly supportive - they cared not only for my artistic growth, but also for my well-being."
    Tim Oh, Class of 2014

Preparing Students for the Future

In addition to the rigorous university-based curriculum, students learn the skills necessary for both personal and professional success within the world of jazz. The program’s curriculum and performance opportunities prepare students for admission into an arts conservatory program, a college/university music program, or with the creative skills to pursue any career that they choose.

To learn more about the Jazz Studies Program curriculum, click here

*Banner, about, and student experience photos by Ulrika Molin. Preparing students for the future photo by Doug Gifford.