Jazz Band
Ensembles
Jazz III
Term: Second Semester | Level: Beginning & Intermediate
Mathew Distante - Director
Jazz III at Portola is an ensemble that is geared towards bringing beginning and developing jazz musicians together to learn about the history, styles, and fundamentals of jazz band playing. Students in this group will focus on timing, style, and ensemble awareness while working on a variety of tunes that will get the band swinging, and the audience clapping. Students in this ensemble may have the opportunity to travel to festivals throughout the year.
This ensemble is open to all students that are interested in giving jazz a shot and all instruments and background in music are welcome!
Jazz II
Term: Second Semester | Level: Beginning & Intermediate
Desmond Stevens - Director
Jazz II at Portola is an ensemble that is geared towards bringing beginning and developing jazz musicians together to learn about the history, styles, and fundamentals of jazz band playing. Students in this group will focus on timing, style, and ensemble awareness while working on a variety of tunes that will get the band swinging, and the audience clapping. Students in this ensemble may have the opportunity to travel to festivals throughout the year.
This ensemble is open to all students that are interested in giving jazz a shot and all instruments and background in music are welcome!
Jazz I
Term: Second Semester | Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Kyle Traska - Director
Jazz I at Portola gives students an opportunity to perform a wide range of literature from all eras of jazz. Students in the ensemble will be given opportunities to refine their ensemble playing skills while being given the opportunity to be featured as soloists as well. This group has found success both in the district and beyond and focuses on training students on how to accurately perform music from different decades while continuing to find opportunities to bring in new sounds and styles to their performances.
Students that wish to participate in this ensemble must audition at the end of the marching band season.




Interested in one of these ensembles?
Email Mr. Traska or Mr. Stevens - kyletaska@iusd.org or desmondstevens@iusd.org