Jazz Band

Both Jazz I & II are courses offered during the school day at Saydel. On a rotating A/B day schedule, over 30 students participate in the Jazz program.

Jazz I is the auditioned, competitive group. In addition to their rehearsals during the day, Jazz I has frequent sectionals, and often brings in guest clinicians to improve the group's sound and style. They compete at the SCIBA Jazz Festival in December, then at the Earlham Festival and the Southeast Polk JazzFest in February.

Jazz II is a group that is typically made up entirely of students who are interested in learning a secondary instrument. Any student who chooses to play a standard jazz instrument that is different than their primary instrument is welcome to participate in Jazz II.

Both groups perform at three home concerts, including one concert that is dedicated solely to instrumental and vocal jazz music. In addition, Jazz I & II perform over the lunch hour at Capital Square in downtown Des Moines.