Naperville North Jazz Bands

Jazz is extra-curricular at NNHS. Nearly 100 students participate in three full-size jazz bands and several small combos. The groups perform two concerts at NNHS, as well as at area festivals, various civic functions, and the annual Spring 40s Dance at the Lisle Wyndham. Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band are auditioned groups, and meet after school, 2 or 3 days a week throughout the Winter and Spring. Jazz Lab meets once a week, and is open to all interested students, regardless of instrument, without audition. Jazz Season begins in November where Marching Band Season leaves off.

Like all other sports and activities in District 203, there are fees and other costs associated with participation in instrumental jazz. A district fee of $30 is required along with per-person fees that may be associated with travel to non-NNHS destinations.

Jazz auditions will take place October 28th and 29th, with rehearsals beginning shortly thereafter. Audition materials for Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band will be available October 1.

Jazz Lab

Led by assistant band director Brian Van Kley, the Jazz Lab is open to all students and no audition is required. This is the perfect opportunity for musicians just learning to play jazz or perfecting their skills on a new instrument. Because it meets once a week, this is also the only extra-curricular musical ensemble that fits the schedule of a student involved with spring sports. The Jazz Lab will have several performances, including concerts, local jazz festivals and the 40s Dance.

Jazz Band

Jefferson Middle School band director Randy Kulik works with this more experienced group of jazz musicians. Because the size of the band is limited and the music is more demanding, auditions are required, as is participation in curricular band. The jazz band meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. This award winning band will compete in local jazz festivals, and perform in at least two concerts, the 40s Dance, and at legendary jazz club Fitzgeralds.

Jazz Ensemble

NNHS director Dan Moore proudly leads this top group, which is known for its near professional quality of performance. The jazz ensemble features the best musicians at North and participation in curricular band, as well as a rigorous audition, is required. Rehearsals are after school, three days a week. Highly competitive, the jazz ensemble often travels to out of state festivals. Its busy performance schedule features two concerts, the 40s Dance, several local jazz festivals, and other performances that vary from year to year.

Vocal Jazz

Recognized as some of the top vocalists in the area, members of the vocal jazz groups get the opportunity to perform the best in 40s style swing and contemporary acappella music. Vocalists are required to audition in December for all of the ensembles, including the award winning Night Lights and Party of Ten. Those two groups compete on a national level; rehearsals are held twice a week after school. All other ensembles meet during lunch period twice a week. The vocal jazz groups are open by audition to all North students.

More Information about the Directors

Dan Moore, Director of Bands (more)

Brian Van Kley, Associate Director of Bands (more)

Randy Kukik, Jazz Band Director (more)