General Information
Naperville Central has an extensive jazz program, which includes three bands and several jazz combos.
Jazz Studio Orchestra is the top level jazz band, selection by audition, and is under the direction of Mr. Alstadt; Jazz Band
is the second tier jazz band, selection by audition, and is under the direction of Mr. Dunn; and Jazz Lab is under the direction of Mr. Estes and is open to any student interested. These groups participate in various festivals throughout the state, as well as local
community events. Well-known guest clinicians are regularly scheduled and the groups often travel to
college campuses for special sessions with college jazz directors.
All of the jazz bands are showcased in the spring at "Jazz Café." Jazz Cafe is held at a local banquet venue (currently Bolingbrook Golf Club). Enjoy fine jazz music while you dine. You may even decide to grab your favorite partner and dance to a number or two!
In 2001, our jazz bands traveled
to Kansas City, Missouri, to participate in the University of Kansas competition; in 2002, they
traveled to the University of Northern Colorado to participate in the University of Northern
Colorado competition. Jazz Studio Orchestra traveled to Germany in June 2003, and hosted German
foreign exchange band students from Humboldt Gymnasium, Solingen, Germany for two weeks in April of
2003, during which time our German guests performed at our 2003 Jazz Café. In 2006, Jazz Studio Orchestra performed
on a cruise ship to the Bahamas.
In recent years, our jazz bands have played at the historic Green Mill in Chicago, Fitzgerald's in Berwyn and Jilly's in downtown Naperville.
