- Now accepting video auditions for Fall 2024
A parent/guardian should email director Brendan Finucane to communicate their child’s interest in joining the ensemble. Auditions are via video submission. In the audition, prospective members must demonstrate confidence on The Saints, a Knights of Jazz String Band standard. Upon request, the ensemble director will forward detailed audition instructions including links to audition sheet music and the Video Practice Guide to The Saints.
Audition Prerequisites
Musicians in Knights of Jazz String Band must be in 5th – 8th grade, have played their instrument for at least one year, and must study with a private teacher. The director will work with families to help satisfy the private lesson requirement.
5th grade students who audition successfully will be placed in Squires, a training ensemble for Knights of Jazz String Band, where they will received mentorship and coaching as they prepare to join the main ensemble. Students 6th – 8th grade who audition successfully will join the main ensemble directly.
Student Agreement
All prospective members must submit a copy of the Student Agreement with their own and a parent’s signature.
Home Practice
Members of the Knights of Jazz String Band practice regularly to achieve excellence. They must practice five times per week, and practice sessions include a combo of scales, chord arpeggios, melody parts, harmony parts, and basslines.
Rehearsals (In-person Knights)
In-person rehearsals are held after school on Fridays at Chicago Waldorf School and Ebenezer Lutheran in Andersonville. Regular attendance is expected for all in-person Knights. Please communicate absences with as much advance notice as possible. Musicians should arrive to rehearsals on time — unpack and set up immediately to warm up and be “ready for the count off.” Knights should come to rehearsals prepared, which means confident with the music, and also means bringing gig folder and instrument. Students must participate in an in-person dress rehearsal prior to playing any gig. Following rehearsals, students must proceed immediately to the lobby to wait for parent pickup, and may not remain unsupervised in the Chicago Waldorf School building.
Special Rehearsals (Hybrid Knights)
Hybrid Knights should participate in Sunday rehearsals, scheduled prior to gigs.
Tuition
The per-semester tuition for Knights of Jazz String Band is $200, due at the beginning of the semester.
Knights of Jazz String Band 