Building and Developing a Jazz Program at the Middle School
This session is designed for band directors and music educators looking to establish a jazz program where none previously existed—especially those with limited jazz experience. Learn how to get young students playing right away, even with minimal background, through accessible improvisation and warm-up exercises. Discover practical strategies for setting up a rhythm section, selecting age-appropriate literature, and choosing reliable arrangers. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to expand your program, this presentation will provide the tools, resources, and confidence needed to build a thriving middle school jazz ensemble
Target Audience
Jazz Bands and Middle School Jazz Band
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Chris Lawrence
John Muir Middle School, Burbank Unified School District
Chris Lawrence is the Director of Instrumental Music at John Muir Middle School in Burbank, CA. His program consists of 225 students who meet daily, with the program consisting of three wind ensembles, two string orchestras, jazz combo and jazz band. Mr. Lawrence completed his B.A. in music at Western Michigan University (2005) and his post B.A. teaching credential at Michigan State University. In addition to serving as a full time Middle School Band and Orchestra Director, Mr. Lawrence is also an active jazz trumpet player in Los Angeles, performing and recording with some of the top musicians in Southern California. Chris and his wife Cheryl live in Los Angeles with their three German Shepherds-Miles, Duke and Ella.