Can a flute (or clarinet) player join Freshman Jazz Ensemble?
A. The short answer is yes and no. Yes, if that person also plays saxophone, and no, if that person only plays the flute (or clarinet). The reason is that published music for jazz ensembles of ninth grade ability level almost never have flute parts. If there are flute parts they are played by members of the saxophone section. At the junior high school level it is common for directors to take everyone who wants to play in a jazz ensemble. This could include clarinetists, oboists, etc. At the high school level it is the norm for those players to also play (or double on) saxophone. In fact, before a saxophone player can even be considered for our Jazz Ensemble I they must be able to play either the clarinet or flute in addition to mastering their saxophone. Colleges regularly require saxophonists to double on another woodwind instrument before they will be allowed to audition for a jazz ensemble. Saxophonists who double on another woodwind instrument are better prepared for post-high scho
