The Community Arts Program (CAP) Miami Jazz Institute (MJI) offers serious, jazz-minded students an intensive immersion into the study of jazz history, harmony, ensemble practice, and one-on-one instrument study. The CAP MJI Jazz PREP Band and ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble are designed to set the standard for a professionally-minded group of young jazz musicians. Those involved not only desire greater understanding of jazz musicianship, they also commit to the professional skills of on-time attendance to all activities (i.e., rehearsals, performances, workshops) and planning other outside extra-curricular activities around this.

BEFORE APPLYING, FULLY UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING:

• Students’ success within the CAP MJI jazz curriculum is built upon students’ TWICE WEEKLY attendance and preparation.
• CAREFULLY consider your entire personal and school calendars.
• IF you have school activities and other commitments that will require your after-school time and weekends, you will most likely not have the ability to FULLY commit to what is EXPECTED: (1) MONDAY WEEKLY CAP jazz ensemble rehearsal attendance, (2) SATURDAY WEEKLY CAP Harmony classes, (3) take weekly lessons on your instrument with a private teacher, through CAP or otherwise, (3) practice (i.e., be prepared for each rehearsal), and (5) ON-TIME attendance for all rehearsals, classes, and up to seven weekend performances scheduled for throughout the year.
• SERIOUSLY CONSIDER the above—and be CERTAIN you can FULLY commit—PRIOR to applying.

Prerequisites and Audition Requirements are below, as they pertain to your skill level and jazz ensemble to which you are applying: either the CAP MJI Jazz PREP Band or CAP MJI ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble.

CLICK HERE, WHEN READY TO APPLY FOR THE 2023-2024 SEASON.

CAP MJI Jazz PREP Band

Mondays: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
August 28, 2023-May 6, 2024
End-of-the-Year Family Concert: Sunday, May 12, 2024

***Additionally, CAP MJI Harmony Classes for all CAP jazz students meet Saturdays (either a 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. one-hour time, based on placement test results).***

Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Boulevard 33134
(across from the Biltmore Hotel)

$400/yr (non-refundable, due upon acceptance)

The Community Arts Program (CAP) Miami Jazz Institute (MJI) Jazz PREP Band experience provides serious and studying jazz students, ages 10 & 17, with exposure and development within a valuable network of other young jazz musicians. CAP MJI Jazz PREP Band members develop skills in sight reading, playing and blending in sections, improv, rhythm, repertoire knowledge, and performance skills while working with CAP MJI jazz faculty and associates, all among the finest jazz pros. In addition, members receive the unique opportunity to learn transcribing (through in-class modules), jazz theory, jazz history, and studio musicianship. CAP MJI Jazz PREP Band members also engage in master classes, with renowned jazz artists and educators, and workshops that focus on their greater development and understanding of the jazz art form.

Prerequisites for ALL Applicants
-Be between the ages of 10 & 17;
-Play one of the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, vibes, bass, drums (other instruments are considered);
-Currently study your instrument with a private teacher;
-Possess a working knowledge of and desire for jazz;
-Can commit to attending all weekly rehearsals;
-Possess a professional attitude.
-Returning applicants must be in good standing from the previous CAP year.

Audition Requirements for NEW Applicants
–Required Scales: Winds and Brass: All Major scales (2 octaves when applicable). Piano, Guitar and Bass: All Major scales (2 octaves);
–All Instruments: Chromatic Scale. Alto and Tenor Sax: C-C (2 octaves); Bari Sax and Trumpet: C-G (1.5 octaves); Trombone: Bb-F (1.5 octaves); Guitar and Bass: E-E (2 octaves); Piano: Starting on any note (2 octaves);
–Sight Reading: Material will be drawn from Big Band literature as well as beginner/intermediate jazz etudes;
–Audition Piece: Nutville (YouTube play-along links and music downloads are below.) Play the head, followed by two choruses of improvisation over the form;
–Pianists/Guitarists should be able to play the melody and comp through the changes as well as improvise at least two choruses over the form;
–Bassists will be asked to play the melody, followed by walking a bass line over the changes, as well as improvise a chorus or two;
–Drummers will also be asked demonstrate the following grooves: Swing, Latin, and Rock. Have ALL sticks and accessories (i.e., brushes, mallets, etc.).

Audition Music Listening, Play-Along, & Download Links: CAP MJI Jazz PREP Band

Nutville (Horace Silver)
Nutville: YouTube Link
Nutville Play-Along: YouTube Link
Nutville Play-Along (slow): YouTube Link

Nutville Eb Instrument
Nutville Bb Instrument
Nutville C – Treble Clef
Nutville Bass Clef

Questions? Call or email: 305.448.7421, ext. 120 or info@CommunityArtsProgram.org

CAP MJI ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble

Three-time Jazz at Lincoln Center Essentially Ellington Competition Finalist!

Mondays: 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
August 28, 2023-May 6, 2024
End-of-the-Year Family Concert: Sunday, May 12, 2024

***Additionally, CAP MJI Harmony Classes for all CAP jazz students meet Saturdays (either a 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. one-hour time, based on placement test results).***

Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Boulevard 33134
(across from the Biltmore Hotel)

$400/yr (non-refundable, due upon acceptance)

The Community Arts Program (CAP) Miami Jazz Institute (MJI) ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble experience provides serious and studying jazz students—grades 9-12 and between the ages of 13 & 18 (if necessary to complete parts, up to two eighth graders may be accepted)—advanced exposure and development within a valuable network of other career-minded jazz musicians. CAP MJI ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble members sharpen skills in sight reading, playing and blending in sections, improv, rhythm, repertoire knowledge, and performance skills while working with CAP MJI jazz faculty and associates, all among the finest jazz pros. In addition, members receive the unique opportunity to pique their understanding of jazz theory, jazz history, and studio musicianship. CAP MJI ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble members also engage in master classes with renowned jazz artists and educators, and workshops that focus on applying and auditioning for college.

Prerequisites for ALL Applicants
-Students must be in grades 9-12 and between the ages of 13 & 18. (If necessary to complete parts, up to two eighth graders may be accepted.)
-Play one of the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, vibes, bass, drums (other instruments are considered);
-Currently study your instrument weekly with a private teacher;
-Possess a solid grasp of and desire for jazz;
-Can commit to attending all weekly rehearsals;
-Possess a professional attitude;
-Possess sight-reading skills.
-Returning applicants must be in good standing from the previous CAP year.

Audition Requirements for NEW Applicants
–Required Scales: All 12 major scales (2 octaves), chromatic scale (2 octaves), Concert F, Bb and Eb Blues scales, major and minor pentatonic scales;
–Sight Reading: Material will be drawn from Big Band literature as well as jazz etudes;
–Audition Pieces (two): (1) Blues for Alice and (2) Darn that Dream (YouTube play-along links and music downloads are below.) Play the head, followed by two choruses of improvisation over the form;
–Pianists/Guitarists should be able to play the melody and comp through the changes as well as improvise over the form;
–Bassists will be asked to play the melody, followed by walking a bass line over the changes, as well as improvise a chorus or two;
–Drummers will also be asked to demonstrate the following grooves: Rock, Shuffle, Latin, Swing, and Funk. Have ALL sticks and accessories (i.e., brushes, mallets, etc.).

Additional Requirements for NEW Applicants
–Blues & Rhythm Changes: Demonstrate a chorus of improvisation over both forms – Key of Bb.
–Saxophonists are encouraged to demonstrate the ability to double (e.g., flute, clarinet). Indicate within the application those instruments on which you double;
–Brass players will be asked to demonstrate range and to possess a functional ability with accessories (e.g., plunger, mutes, etc.);
–Rhythm section players will be required to demonstrate a variety of grooves and tempi.

Audition Music Listening, Play-Along, & Download Links: CAP MJI ALL-STAR Jazz Ensemble
Two Audition Pieces Required:

(1) Yardbird Suite (Charlie Parker)
Yardbird Suite Play-Along: YouTube Link
Yardbird Suite (160 bpm) Backing Track: YouTube Link
Yardbird Suite (130 bpm) Backing Track: YouTube Link

Yardbird Suite Eb Instrument
Yardbird Suite Bb Instrument
Yardbird Suite Treble Clef
Yardbird Suite Bass Clef

(2) Darn That Dream (Jimmy Van Heusen)
Darn That Dream: YouTube Link
Darn That Dream Play-Along: YouTube Link

Darn That Dream Eb Instrument
Darn That Dream Bb Instrument
Darn That Dream Treble Clef
Darn That Dream Bass Clef