Northwest High School
Jazz Bands

Northwest High School has two Jazz bands, the Northwest Jazz Orchestra and the Northwest Jazz Lab. All bands perform at festivals and concerts around central Iowa.

Auditions

Auditions take place the third week of May for placement in a band for the following school year. Audition materials are provided in Mid-April. Bands are announced before the school year ends as the Jazz Orchestra typically starts rehearsals over the summer.

Northwest Jazz Orchestra

This ensemble is Northwest High School’s premiere jazz ensemble and the group has between four-eight performances each year, including the Iowa Jazz Championships. Directed by Mr. Strohmaier Jazz Orchestra rehearses from 7:00 to 8:00 am on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings and on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in Room A232 (for the 2024-25 School year).

Northwest Jazz Lab

In this ensemble, students focus on building musical skills within the jazz genre and develop improvisation techniques, rhythm, listening, and history. Directed by Mr. Friesleben Jazz Lab rehearses from 7:00 to 8:00 am on Monday and Thursday mornings and on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in Room A234 (for the 2024-25 School year).

ALL jazz band students should be at least 10-15 minutes early so that they’re ready for that 7:00 am start time! 

Concert Attire

Performers should dress their best. Specific colors or styles are often decided by the individual band but typically suit and tie, dress, dress pants or skirt is appropriate.