band > jazz band

Musical chops in double-time.

WAPA musicians looking for an extra challenge find a supportive, growth-oriented home in Whetstone’s Jazz Band. Participating students enroll in Jazz Band class in addition to Whetstone’s standard band class, doubling their instruction and performance opportunities.

Each year’s Jazz Band is a little different based on the style, skill, and instruments of enrolled students. Performances often features solos, giving students an opportunity to build confidence and show off their hard-earned chops.

Jump into the line-up.

  • joining the band

    The Jazz Band welcomes students with varying degrees of experience to enroll in this additional course, opening new opportunities for growth.

  • the instruments

    The classic jazz sound comes from bringing together trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets, piano, guitar, standup bass, and drums.

  • the music

    Musicians in the Jazz band perform an array of songs from jazz standards to boogie-woogie—from popular hits to deep tracks.

  • school performances

    The Jazz Band brings some heat to the Whetstone stage at WAPA’s three seasonal music showcases.

  • gigs

    Musicians develop real chops playing real gigs. WAPA’s Jazz Band has regular gigs at restaurants, events, festivals, and concert series.

  • solos

    Solos offer a voluntary chance for an individual challenge in a safe, growth-oriented space. In jazz, there are no mistakes…only opportunities.

CCS Jazz Fest

March 4, 2023 10AM - 4PM

Presented by Jazz Arts Group Columbus, the CCS Jazz Fest was an opportunity for the polished band to shine at the Lincoln Theater. The event was open to the public and each band received constructive coaching from local jazz professionals. In addition to celebrating the band’s cohesiveness, the coach commended the Whetstone Jazz Band on their strong “tonality,” creating layers and storytelling for each song performed.

WHS Teacher of the Year 2023

RASHAD MITCHELL JR.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DIRECTOR

May 22, 2023 7PM

Park of Roses Summer Series

The WAPA Jazz Band (and a few hundred members of the local community) braved the heat to make a Sunday in the park to remember. While the band performed, the audience enjoyed picnic dinners on the lawn.

The Summer Series gig broadened the types of venues and audiences for the band.

What was hotter? The weather or the band’s burning tracks?

"Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself."

Miles Davis

Friday, May 26, 2023 5PM - 8PM

Global Gallery Gig

The WAPA Jazz Band was the featured musical act at the Friday Night Street Fair located at Global Gallery (on the corner of High St. and Dunedin).

Playing under an open sky and a string of lights, the band lit things up on Global Gallery’s patio. Every tune rocked, keeping the patio full and the patrons poppin.

Fun times all around!

book the band.

Support a local band while they support your business.

The Whetstone Jazz Band are currently open for bookings through Summer 2024.