General Information
Naperville Central has an extensive jazz program, which includes three bands and several jazz combos.
Jazz Studio Orchestra is under the direction of Mr. Alstadt; Jazz Band
is under the direction of Mr. Dunn; and Jazz Lab is under the direction of Mr. Estes. These groups participate in various festivals throughout the state, as well as local
community events. Well-known guest clinicians are regularly scheduled and the groups often travel to
college campuses for special sessions with college jazz directors.
All of the jazz bands are showcased in the spring "Jazz Café." In 2001, our jazz bands traveled
to Kansas City, Missouri, to participate in the University of Kansas competition; in 2002, they
traveled to the University of Northern Colorado to participate in the University of Northern
Colorado competition. Jazz Studio Orchestra traveled to Germany in June 2003, and hosted German
foreign exchange band students from Humboldt Gymnasium, Solingen, Germany for two weeks in April of
2003, during which time our German guests performed at our 2003 Jazz Café. In 2006, Jazz Studio Orchestra performed
on a cruise ship to the Bahamas.
Jazz Studio Orchestra (JSO), although an extra-curricular ensemble, does earn a grade and academic
credit.
