Northwest High School
Jazz Bands

Northwest High School has three Jazz bands: the Northwest Jazz Orchestra, Northwest Jazz Lab, and Northwest Jazz Experience. 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 7:45 am on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings in Room A232 (for the 2025-26 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 7:45 am on Monday and Thursday mornings (or Tuesday & Thursday mornings if there is no school on Monday) in Room A234 (for the 2025-26 School year).

Northwest Jazz Experience

Jazz Experience is a band for students looking for an opportunity to play jazz without as big a time commitment. This group focuses on building musical skills within the jazz genre and develop improvisation techniques, rhythm, and listening. Directed by Mr. Strohmaier, Jazz Experience rehearses from 7:00 to 7:45 am on Wednesday and Friday mornings in Room A232.

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

Formal concert wear will be provided for you to wear for all of our performances. Black socks and dress shoes are to be worn with tuxedos; black, closed-toe dress shoes are to be worn with dresses. All dress shoes must be entirely black.