New Horizons Jazz Ensemble

Photo from CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival – 2023

Adult Ensemble
Teacher: Don Sherman
Wednesday, 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Church – S. Winton Rd.
Tuition I

NH Jazz Ensemble is in the “big band” format; to include brass, reed and rhythm sections. Ensemble members will work on the interpretation of rhythms, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, blend and balance. They will have the opportunity to solo with the band by either improvising over a series of chords or playing written lines. Ensemble members will rehearse written charts from a variety of jazz eras or genres each week, for two hours. They are expected to attend instrumental sectional rehearsals and perform in Kilbourn Hall each semester. Selected members may be invited to perform at the Rochester International Jazz Festival and other community festivals during the summer or at other non ECMS sponsored events throughout the calendar year. Those desiring to enroll must possess at least intermediate level instrumental skills, determined by the director and can read notation for their instrument. Enrollment and placement for all instruments is based on the ensemble instrumentation need and the necessary skill level to perform each part. Permission to participate must be obtained by the director. Contact Don Sherman; dsherman@esm.rochester.edu for more information.

This is a yearlong course divided into two semesters. Spring semester will be automatically re-registered unless written notification is received by December 1.

New Horizons Discounts

  • Those registered in a core ensemble receive a 25% discount on all other New Horizons Ensembles. Core ensembles include Green Band, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Chorus, Big Band, and Jazz Ensemble.
  • Those registered in Symphonic Band or String Orchestra receive 50% off Symphony Orchestra.
  • New Horizons tuition is FREE for those who are 90 or older.
  • Snowbird Policy: New Horizons members who are gone four or more consecutive months during the winter are asked to notify the ECMS office by December, and they will be billed for the fall semester only. All are welcome to attend rehearsals for the balance of the school year at no additional charge when they return. Click here for complete policy details.

How to Register

New students and students registering after mid-September: ECMS Registration Form 

Continuing ECMS students may re-register online from May until September.

Paper registration forms available upon request: (585) 274-1400

Once registered, students may begin attending classes. The only registration confirmation you will receive is your bill. You may log on to check your registrations at any time. Click here for complete details on registration and policies.