The NNHS Jazz Program has received local, state, and national recognition, including awards at local festivals and performances at the Illinois Music Educators Conference, Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Festival in NYC, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Naperville Jazz Fest, and at the historic Jazz Showcase in Chicago.

Jazz Ensemble is the highest level jazz ensemble at NNHS. Performances also include events in the community and at various festivals. Directed by Keith Pitner kpitner@naperville203.org
Rehearses Monday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm & Thursdays before school from 7:00am-7:35am. [Rehearses Wednesdays at 7:30pm on weeks with no school on Monday]

Jazz Band is a fantastic opportunity for students to listen, speak, and learn to play the jazz language at a high level. Almost all Jazz Ensemble participants were once Jazz Band members. Participation is by audition, open to all grades, and includes only those students who can commit to the rehearsal schedule. This group performs at many of the same venues and festivals as Jazz Ensemble. Directed by Matt Pilmer mpilmer@naperville203.org
Rehearses Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Jazz Lab has been reformatted - it is now focused primarily on learning how to improvise in a low-stress environment. This group has less of a performance focus and more of an education focus than the other jazz groups. All are welcome including non-traditional jazz instruments such as Flute, Clarinet, etc. Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band members are encouraged to also participate when able in Jazz Lab to develop their improvisation skills. No audition is required, just come! Directed by Keith Pitner kpitner@naperville203.org
Meets Monday evenings from 4:30pm-5:30pm.