CURRENT STUDENTS: The main audition cycle for the VJC program (for area music students in grades 8-12) has just concluded. However, there are still a few positions open in the ensembles. We will continue to accept applications from:
1) brass musicians,
2) pianists, and
3) drummers ... until all ensemble slots are filled.
We have just added one, additional audition day on Tuesday, 12/9 (evening) for late applicants. This audition will take place at Ravenscroft in Scottsdale. Please consider joining us by applying and auditioning!
VJC Indigo (Tuesday nights) and VJC Cerulean (Thursday nights) begin rehearsing in mid-December. VJC Sapphire (Saturday mornings at MCC) begins rehearsing in January. ​We hope you will join the VJC for its 10th anniversary season in 2025-26!
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​​EDUCATORS: Check out the Flexible Instrumentation Big Band charts from VJC Publications. And listen to this great new music on our YouTube channel. VJC Publications offers flex. charts without compromise, designed to sound great—and complete—​with just the minimum instrumentation (11 pieces). And of course, they sound truly spectacular with a full, 18-piece big band. Given the unpredictable nature of band program size from year to year, VJC Publications represents a great investment for any music library.
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Please note that 100% of every VJC Publication purchase goes back into supporting the educational activities of the Valley Jazz Cooperative. Also, we now have five Christmas/Holiday big band charts available. Each of them are $10 off through November to help you with your holiday programming! It's our "Martin Special"! (IYKYK)
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FRIENDS & FANS: We have two VJC Alumni Band events coming up soon, both in Scottsdale. The VJC Alumni Band+ will perform its annual Christmas Concert (Sat., Dec. 20th @ 7 PM in Ravenscroft Hall). And the VJC Alumni Sextet—a.k.a. VJC Azure—makes its debut performance on (Fri., Jan. 9th @ 7 PM in Jazzbird).
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NEW EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH FROM MSW: Hansley Mussotte has recently joined the MSW-Education team to launch a new program in January 2026. Titled the Valley Gospel Project, it is a vocal/choral-focused initiative that will meet on Monday nights at Ravenscroft. Anyone with interest in singing gospel music as part of the Valley Gospel Project can CLICK HERE to learn more.
LESSONS AND WORKSHOPS

Lessons
Valley Jazz Cooperative faculty are available to offer private lessons to individual students. Our experienced team of artist-teachers can help music students achieve even greater success in their development. VJC teachers strive to meet each person at their current level of mastery and will tailor one-on-one sessions to address the needs of each individual.
For young musicians eager to work with a private teacher whose primary instrument is not found in the VJC faculty line-up, we can provide recommendations for other outstanding instructors who can meet those students’ needs. Please contact Russell Schmidt for more information about private lessons.
Workshops
In addition to lessons, the Valley Jazz Cooperative is available to support the efforts of jazz band directors and their high school programs through workshops and clinics. Members of our team can work with your groups on various topics including improvisation, stylistic performance practices (i.e., ensemble phrasing and articulation), rhythm section techniques, and other subjects. Our goal is to support your educational efforts with these students, to assist you through the presentation of additional jazz instruction.
Getting help and support from outside sources can be tremendous asset. Given the Valley Jazz Cooperative’s deep connection to Music Serving the Word, teachers can rest assured that any rehearsal critique or workshop comment will be offered with a generous and respectful spirit, appreciating the substantial work done by student and teacher alike prior to the VJC’s arrival in your band room. Please contact the Director of the Valley Jazz Cooperative, Russell Schmidt to explore possible workshop and clinic opportunities.

