Jazz Program
Jazz Ensemble
The DHS Jazz Ensemble is one of the top public school jazz programs in the nation. Having performed twice at the Essentially Ellington High School Band Competition Finals in New York City (2008, 2012) and twice at the Illinois Music Education Conference (2005, 2015). The band keeps a regular schedule of performances in around DeKalb.
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The band is proud to have founded Jazz at the Egyptian, at DeKalb's historic Egyptian theatre alongside the NIU Jazz Orchestra and the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble.
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The 2019 Band appeared at Jazz in Chi's Essentially Ellington Regional Festival, where the band's reed section took home the award for best Saxophone Section. In August of 2019, the band was honored to perform at the Chicago Jazz Festival.
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The Band has notable alumni performing professionally. These alumni include Sam Crittenden, trombonist with Sammy Miller and the Congregation and professional saxophonist, Jeff Miguel.
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Jazz Lab Band
The DHS Lab Band is the primary training ensemble for the Jazz Ensemble. The band focuses on the development of jazz styles, techniques and improvisation.
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The band competed in the 2018 Illinois High School Association's Organizational Contest, where it received a superior rating. The band has also performed at Northern Illinois University's High School Jazz Day and during regular performances at DeKalb High School.
