The Phoenix Jazz Club is a program centered around the formation of a jazz big band, and  encompasses every aspect of a well-rounded jazz education while covering concepts of history, improvisation, and music theory. The Phoenix Jazz Club meets regularly from 2:30-4:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday, and is designed for students with one or more years of prior music experience.

From a national standards perspective, a jazz education program like the Phoenix Jazz Club covers each of the nine standards presented by the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). From reading and notating music, to improvising melodies, to understanding music in relation to history and culture, jazz music provides the opportunity to not only cover, but extend and explore beyond the district, state, and national standards of music education.

Jazz is an American art form born out of, and evolved through the African American experience in the United States. The music was developed on the backs of the historically underrepresented, crossing cultural and racial boundaries while ultimately contributing to the equities and freedoms we experience today. This is the greatest lesson that jazz music can teach: the ability to collaborate and contribute within a diverse group of voices to produce something greater than any one person can create alone. The students at Sequoyah come from all walks of life, and each scholar has a unique story to share. Jazz music provides these scholars an opportunity to share their story through improvised music, all while learning from others, and contributing to something greater than themselves.

If you would like more information on the Phoenix Jazz Club, please contact Mr. Leslie.