Join us at BLU Jazz+ as we feature our area's top high school & collegiate jazz programs in a special concert series! This showcase will include performances by the talented groups from Jackson High School under the direction of Sean Monigold!
Presented by the BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation, our 4th annual BLU Jazz+ Student All-Stars Concert Series continues as we feature the talented student ensembles from Jackson High School, under the direction of Sean Monigold! Proceeds from this event are split between Jackson High School’s jazz program and the BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation, so bring your friends and family out and show your support for these awesome local groups!
The Jazz program at Jackson High School consists of 5 full big bands, involving over 100 students. All bands rehearse one night per week and are named for the time that rehearsal starts. Membership in the Jackson High School Band is required of all big band members and the bands are ability-grouped by audition.
The Jackson High School Seven-thirty Big Band is an elite performing group that plays primarily original arrangements from the great professional big bands. The Six O-Clock Big Band also performs many big band standards, in addition to charts arranged specifically for high school bands. Both bands also serve as backing groups for talented vocalists, in addition to collaborating with the Vocal Music and Dance departments at Jackson High School.
Jazz ensembles from Jackson have performed at many jazz festivals throughout the state, most recently playing at the 2017 Essentially Ellington Festival at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and being selected to perform at the 2016 Ohio Music Education Association State Conference.
Sean Monigold is currently in his fifth year as Director of Jazz Bands at Jackson High School, where he also serves as Instrumental Music Content Specialist for the district.
About BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation
Committed to the preservation of America’s treasured art form of jazz, BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation (BJMF) is a new program developed by the founders of BLU Jazz+ Akron (BJA) that brings “front-row” jazz education performance & mentorship opportunities to student musicians and art lovers alike by presenting a series of masterclasses led by top visiting musicians from all over the world.
Recipient of a 2015 Knights Art Challenge grant award by the Knight Foundation, BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation expands upon the essence of Akron, Ohio’s award-winning live jazz destination, BLU Jazz+ Akron (BJA), launched in Fall 2014.