Jazz Combo & Jazz Vocals
Combo and Vocal Auditions - Open Now!
To book SJE for an event or for more information, please email info@spotlightrepnw.org
Spotlight Jazz Ensembles (SJE) Combo
The SJE Combo offers a performance mastery program dedicated to honing participants' skills through weekly rehearsals and performances at top venues like Boxley's and Eagan's Ballard Jam House.
Open to musicians aged 16+ who play drums/percussion, bass, guitar, piano/keyboard, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone.
Join other passionate musicians to master group melody, harmony, and rhythm with stylistic authenticity, guided by experienced professional jazz artists.
Space is limited, so submit your audition today!
Dates/Times: Wednesday evenings, beginning January 29, 2025
Location: Sammamish
Performances: TBA
Spotlight Jazz Ensembles (SJE) Vocalists
SJE vocalists will participate in weekly classes taught by experienced professional jazz artists, focusing on classic jazz arrangements, microphone technique, swing, song forms, and standard jazz repertoire.
Open to singers aged 16+, no jazz experience required, but prior vocal experience is strongly recommended.
Join other passionate singers in exploring improvisation, rhythmic styles, stage presence, and audience engagement.
Space is limited, so submit your audition today!
Dates/Times: Sunday evenings, beginning January 26, 2025
Location: Sammamish
Performances: TBA
Meet our SJE Combos Directors
Max Holmberg
Director
Drummer, Bandleader, and Educator
@percussivejazz
Max Holmberg is a Seattle-based drummer, bandleader, and educator. While he started drumming at a very young age, Max kickstarted his love of jazz in Seattle's Eckstein Middle and Roosevelt High schools' jazz programs. He then moved to Boston where he earned his B.M. at the Berklee College of Music. Max has performed in 7 countries and also with touring Broadway shows. Closer to home in Seattle, he hosts the Sunday night jam session at the Angry Beaver in Greenwood and can be found performing live and on the radio with many diverse projects and bands including the Alex Dugdale Band, Danny Quintero Band, Jacqueline Tabor Jazz Band, 200 Trio, The Arsonists, the Eric Patterson Band, The Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and the Kareem Kandi Band, as well as teaching out of his studio and at the Seattle Drum School.
David Lux
Director
Music Educator & Multi-Instrumentalist
David Lux joined Fingerprint Music School in 2022, where he teaches guitar, piano, drums, bass, and ukulele. With a foundation in classical piano from his childhood, David earned his degree in Jazz Piano Studies from Bowling Green State University in 2012. After graduation, he embarked on a unique musical journey, performing on cruise ships as a Showband Musician and Musical Director.
David’s passion for music extends beyond performance. He has a deep interest in music technology and home recording, with experience refurbishing vintage instruments like the Fender Rhodes Bass, Wurlitzer 200, and Super Reverb. He’s also a hobbyist amp builder and skilled piano tuner.
Inspired by the diverse array of musical styles and genres at our fingertips, David is a lifelong learner who enjoys exploring the vast world of music and sharing his knowledge with curious minds.
Spotlight has a long history of including live jazz music in its various performing arts showcases and is proud to build upon that tradition with the Seattle Spotlight Jazz Orchestra.
The Seattle Spotlight Jazz Orchestra (SSJO)
SSJO started with a dream of two high school students to form a group of like-minded, dedicated jazz musicians who love the big band sound and who seek out challenging scores to play. Spotlight founder, Frances Garcia Hoffman, gave them a home as part of her plan to create multiple instrumental opportunities in support of the community's talents.
SSJO reaches across the entire Seattle region with members from West Seattle, Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Mt. Si, Carnation, and Sammamish.
Key SSJO goals:
- To raise awareness and support of jazz within the broader community through training and education.
- To foster connections and a sense of community while encouraging each participant to reach their personal best.
- To develop professional performance skills and work ethic by focusing on diligence, teamwork, recording, and performing in public venues.
- To encourage collaborative leadership skills through student-driven problem solving and direction.
- To further the understanding and appreciation of the various styles of jazz.
- To provide opportunities to experiment, have fun, and just jam!
Spotlight Community Music Productions
Spotlight is known for its high quality music productions showcasing talented groups of all ages from elementary to adults.
We look forward to performing our next show!
Please check out our Show page to see more of Spotlight's offerings.
