Jazz Program
PHOENIX PROJECT JAZZ PROGRAM REGISTRATION
July 21 – 24, 2025 (Monday – Thursday) Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington, MA
The Phoenix Project does not require an audition to be accepted! Applicants should self-select based on their comfort level with the selected repertory displayed on the website.
We will place you next to the professional musicians of Lexington Symphony who will both encourage and inspire the best from you and the ensemble as a whole. The aim is to have fun and play great music at a level that is rewarding for all.
Remember, when you play tennis with someone who is a better player, your game improves!
Ensemble Choices
We plan to offer both a Big Band and smaller combo option for jazz musicians. The maximum number of participants for each instrument for the big band is limited, so musicians will be accepted for the big band in the order registration is received. There are no limitations on the number of participants for the smaller combos – we will work with everyone who signs up! We may rehearse in a larger group and split into smaller groups for performance. You will have an option to express your preference for type of ensemble on the registration form.
Instrumentation
Big Band
2-3 Alto Sax
2-3 Tenor Sax
1-2 Baritone Sax
4-5 Trumpets
3-4 Trombones (could include 1 bass trombone, or even 1 tuba)
Piano
Guitar
Bass (Upright preferred, but electric could work)
Drum set
Combo
Unlimited participants for the instruments listed above, as well as string, wind, and other brass and percussion instruments. Full list in the registration form (linked below)
Repertoire
Big Band – likely to include the following
Kansas City Suite - by Benny Carter (written for the Count Basie Band)
Selections from Duke Ellington
Selections from Count Basie
Other appropriate music, depending on make-up and background of the players
Combo – repertoire selected from
Miles Davis
Oliver Nelson
John Coltrane
Cannonball Adderley
Charles Mingus
Duke Ellington
and others
Link to online folder with parts will be distributed via email once parts assignments are made. Printed parts will be made available by end of May 2025
Registration & Participation Fees
Total fee = $1,250
$500 non-refundable fee due at registration
Balance due by April 1, 2025
Included in Tuition
Lunch all four days
Mingle with other participants and members of Lexington Symphony for food and conversation. Ask questions about the life of a professional musician
Sectional Workshops
led by members of Lexington Symphony
Full orchestra or jazz ensemble rehearsals
led by Music Director Jonathan McPhee or Co-Artistic Director Jeffrey Leonard
Side-by-side public performance with full orchestra or jazz ensemble
Invite your family and friends to buy tickets!
Observe professional recording sessions of new music conducted by Jonathan McPhee,
including a follow up Q & A session with the conductor and composer
Access to recordings of the final concerts given by the Orchestra and Jazz Ensembles
Feel free to share with family and friends, but please do not post online
Talks on various aspects of music led by Jonathan McPhee and Jeff Leonard among others
Possible Add-On
Private Lessons with Lexington Symphony musicians
Separate fee for lesson, payable to the teacher. Information distributed during program
Timeline
● January 2, 2025 Link to registration page emailed to pre-registered musicians
● January 15, 2025 Registration form opens to public
● Mar 3, 2025 Registration form closes
● Acceptance to program in order registration received
o due to a maximum number of participants for each instrument, placement in the Big Band is not guaranteed. If your instrument is at the maximum at the time of registration and you are only interested in performing in the Big Band you will be given an opportunity to join the waitlist. No fee will be collected unless you are accepted from the waitlist. You are welcome to register for the combo option and also join the waitlist for the Big Band.
● Mid-March: Notification of acceptances with final repertory
● If there are remaining vacancies in sections of the Big Band, applicants from the waitlist will be offered the option to register
● Additional applications may continue to be accepted for sections that have not reached capacity until the sections are full
● April 1, 2025 Tuition Balance of $750 is due
● July 21 – 24, 2025 The Phoenix Project is in session!!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Questions? Email phoenix@lexingtonsymphony.org