Photo by Brian Hart

The Cleveland Heights High School Jazz Ensemble has earned its outstanding reputation over the past few years by performing at various concerts in the Cleveland area as well as on tour each spring vacation in the Eastern United States and Canada. The Jazz Ensemble has performed in various jazz festivals for more than twenty years and has won numerous outstanding soloist awards.

The group has also hosted numerous guest soloists and clinicians. Among the recent are John Fedchock, Byron Stripling, Burny Pelsmajer, Jack Schantz, Paul Ferguson, Maria Schneider, Sean Jones, Clark Terry, Marvin Stamm, Ernie Krivda, Joey Hunter, Joe Miller, Mike Lee, David Cowan, Brad Goode and Kenny Davis. The group has also performed in Presidents’ Park and received a citation of excellence from former President Ford. Other Jazz Ensemble performances include state conventions, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, high school jazz festivals, the WCLV Marathon (several times) and numerous other prestigious events.

In the fall of 2001, a new Jazz Lab Band was created due to the demand for Jazz Ensemble playing. This group and Jazz Combo offer additional opportunities for students to perform within the genre.

The Jazz Department’s annual "Jazz Nite," held at Heights High School, is the highlight of the year for both the members of the department and the student body. Brett Baker has directed the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Combos since 2001.

Click here for Lab Bands

2009-2010 REPERTOIRE

Summertime
Jumpin' at the Woodside
Cross Currents
The Doomsday Machine Meets Mr. Gelato
Bulgaria
Prism
Loose Your Life (and it will surely find you)

Listen to the Jazz Ensemble perform!

Good News Moanin' Pick Up the Pieces

Upcoming events: November 20 Fall Concert