Ages: For students in grades 9–12
Requirements: Auditioned ensemble.
Rehearsal Time: Mondays, 2:45–3:45 p.m.
Length of course: 30 meetings

Tuition: $615 for HCD private lesson students, $790 for all others

Funk Band is a high-level ensemble, playing everything from Hard Bop to Modern Funk with an emphasis on style, soul and the blues. This band will have an electric sound that will pump out music you can move to. Funk Band will give students plenty of room to develop their best soloing chops while contributing to a hard driving, tight ensemble where everyone is digging in. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting jazz experience, this is it!

The course is limited to 3-4 winds and a rhythm section.

Ages: For students in grades 7–12
Requirements: Students are expected to read music.
Rehearsal Time: Sundays, 2–3 p.m.
Length of course: 30 meetings

Tuition for hot club:
$420 for HCD private lesson students, $505 for all others

Following in the tradition of the legendary Quintet of the Hot Club of France, this chamber jazz ensemble focuses on improvisation and group interplay, especially for string instruments. Students who are accomplished on the violin, viola, cello, bass or guitar have the opportunity to build skills of self-expression in a jazz band designed for them. Repertoire will be supplied by the originator of the style, the great Django Reinhardt. This is music that is respected around the world for its unique combination of folk-like simplicity and daring virtuosity.

Beyond the strings, Hot Club music can be played on smaller wind instruments and accordion, keeping the group sound light. The combination of European folk music with American swing, often referred to as “Gypsy Jazz” will provide plenty of room for growth for top musicians. If you are looking to improve your profile and develop a personal style, this is the class for you. Find your musical voice in this challenging and exciting ensemble.

The class is limited to 3 guitars, 3 violins or violas, 1 cello, 1 bass, 2 wind instruments, and 1 accordion. No amps allowed!

Ages: For students in grades 6–8
Requirements: Auditioned ensemble.
Rehearsal Time: Thursdays, 6–7 p.m.
Length of course: 30 meetings

Tuition for middle school jazz combo:
$615 for HCD private lesson students, $790 for all others

The Hartt Jazz Combo is designed for students looking for a chamber-sized ensemble to develop their playing in the jazz style; improvising, and increasing their knowledge of classic jazz tunes. From Blues to Be Bop, the Jazz Combo is a training ground for future jazz players, working in the great tradition.

Students will develop their collaborative skills in this smaller ensemble, and have the opportunity to explore improvisation at great length. The language and history of jazz will be at the center of the process, as we study the legends and explore this great art form. Students should be able to read music and have an understanding of the jazz style to be part of this ensemble. Find out how far your jazz playing can go in a combo setting that lets you be heard.

The course is limited to 4-5 winds and a rhythm section.

Ages: For students in grades 9–12
Requirements: Auditioned ensemble.
Rehearsal Time: Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m.
Length of course: 30 meetings

Tuition: $615 for HCD private lesson students, $790 for all others

New Beat Combo is a jazz band with an emphasis on groove. From Soul Jazz to Bossa Nova to lo-fi Be Bop, New Beat will provide a setting for swinging, personal music making. This ensemble welcomes all woodwinds and brass, along with rhythm players who want to develop their best sense of rhythm.

This combo will be limited to 4-5 players to give everyone a chance to be heard.