spokaneallcityjazz.org - The Joy of Jazz

Spokane All-City Jazz Ensembles

Experience the Joy of Jazz!

Big Band and Combo Experience for Middle and High School Students. Since 2013 we've sculpted the landscape for jazz and improvisation training for our youth!

-Weekly Rehearsals with professional coaches

-Seasonal Guest Artists from around the world

-Seasonal performances, jam sessions and concerts

-Multiple levels to accommodate beginner-elite levels

-Real world jazz training

Summer 2026 registration is open now!

Summer focuses heavily on Foundational skills, swing style and technique in addition to our normal combo program. Rehearsals will run for 2 hours per week for 5 weeks, and also include access to a guest artist concert and workshop and a recital.

Combo Class & Fundamentals: All instruments June 26-July 30th:

-Workshop & Concert with Ralph Alessi on Friday June 26th-Rehearsals begin Rehearsals begin Tuesday June 30th--Summer Recital Thursday July 30thClass I: Intermediate to advanced (those entering 8th grade-recently graduated seniors)

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 or Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 (placement by level and availability)
Rehearsals begin June 30th at our studio: 1309 W 14th
Summer Recital August 5th
Cost $265
2 hour rehearsals, allowing for lots of skill building and group interaction.
In order to facilitate multiple levels participating, you will be assigned in cohorts of like-skill levels for Tuesday or Wednesday nights

Class II: Swing Time! Jazz Primer for 6th & 7th graders (or older beginners with with only 6 months-1 year of playing experience)

Thursdays & Thursdays 4:30-5:30
Workshop & concert with Ralph Alessi on Friday June 26th
Rehearsals begin June 30th at our studio 1309 W 14th Ave
Summer Recital Thursday July 30th
Cost $265
1 hour rehearsal 2x per week focused on beginning jazz style, swing elements, jazz reading and etudes for solo skill building and jazz band prep.

Additionally, you may use this form to sign up for Be-Like Bird Class or 3 Day Camp:

BLB: Be Like Bird Saxophone Class (saxes/woodwinds all levels)

An intuitive approach for developing saxophones (and woodwinds) July 6-July 24 , 2026

-SAJE Studio 1309 W 14th Ave Spokane, WA 99223

-Cost $315 class fee includes tuition, book, t-shirt and registration fee

Monday, Wednesday, Friday (3x per week 1 hour classes):
10am - Level 1 (beginners with 1 year of band experience or somewhat new to jazz)
11:15am- Level 2 ( intermediate level 2 years band experience or playing at an intermediate level and some jazz experience)
Tuesday & Thursday (2x per week 90 minute classes):
10:30am-12 - Level 3 (Students with 3 or more years experience or playing at intermediate level and jazz experience)
5:30pm - Level 4 ( highly skilled students with 3 or more years experience or playing at an advanced level)

3-DAY JAZZ CAMP: All instruments, Middle School: beginner jazz - intermediate level

Introduction to Jazz & Basic skill refresher! For students with at least 1 year band experience or equivalent performance level. A great introduction to jazz concepts for those brand new to jazz, and a great intermediate skill refresher for those who want to brush up before school starts. No previous jazz experienced required!

- Monday Aug 10th - Wednesday August 12th 2025

- 10am - 12:30pm at SAJE studio 1309 W 14th Ave Spokane, WA

Cost $265

- For students with 1-3 years playing experience (no jazz experience necessary)

Summer Registration

Real-world performance training and mentorship

About Us

We are a non-profit organization created to provide opportunities for middle school and high school jazz students in small group settings.

Through ensembles, classes, guest artists, master classes, and performances, students in the All-City Jazz Program have many opportunities to grow and learn.

Our goal is to provide students with an opportunity to perform fun, exciting, and challenging music in a small group setting.

Mission Statement: We provide the opportunity for youth to experience the joy of jazz through community performance and education.

SAJE was founded to provide a more in-depth experience in jazz and to give students an opportunity to play with other students outside of their normal school jazz band.

Our goal is to create a fun and challenging environment where students, whether they are new or experienced in their jazz playing, can develop an understanding of the jazz repertoire and the jazz language.

Through performances, clinics and workshops, and regular rehearsals, our hope is to inspire students to reach new heights and become leaders in their own respective school music programs.