Jazz Band is Sellwood's only auditioned ensemble. Students learn foundational concepts of swing, latin, fusion, and funk styles (to name a few) as well as improvisation, advancing music literacy, ear training, and technical facility. We compete in three Jazz Festivals each year and perform at numerous other events at Sellwood and in the community throughout the year. Sellwood has had one of the premier Jazz programs in the region over the last couple of years, winning trophies at their last 4 competitions including 1st place at the 2026 Clackamas Jazz Festival. Students receive group lessons from our fantastic sectional teachers.

Students with at least one year of band experience are welcome to audition. Traditional jazz ensemble instrumentation is 5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, piano, bass, guitar, and drumset. Students may audition on other instruments with director approval, but it is encouraged to double on a traditional jazz instrument.

Sheet music and play-along recordings for Jazz Band students can be found on the Jazz Band Materials page.