FAQs
What is the Longmont All-Star Jazz Band?
The Longmont All-Star Jazz Band (LASJB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit jazz ensemble based in Longmont, Colorado. We bring together some of the most talented high school jazz musicians from the St. Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley School Districts for a professional, high-quality jazz education experience that goes well beyond the typical school music program. Think of it as the next level — for students who are serious about jazz and ready to be pushed.
How did the band get started?
The LASJB was founded in 2001 by Bill Wilkinson — and honestly, if it weren’t for him, none of this would exist. Bill built something special from the ground up in Longmont, creating a home for young jazz musicians in the community. That legacy is very much alive in everything we do today, and we’re proud to carry it forward with the same spirit he started it with.
Who leads the band?
The LASJB is led by Music Director and President Gavin Worland: READ MORE>>
The band is governed by a volunteer BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Is the LASJB affiliated with a school or school district?
Nope — we’re an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We draw our membership from students in the SVVSD and BVSD areas, but we operate completely outside of any school or district structure. That means more flexibility, a different kind of repertoire, and a different kind of experience than what you’d find in a school jazz band.
Who is eligible to join?
Any current high school student enrolled in a St. Vrain Valley or Boulder Valley school district school is eligible to audition. You need to be on an instrument that fits within a jazz big band, and you need to be ready to commit to the season.
How do I audition?
Click HERE to go to the Audition page for all the information
What does a typical rehearsal look like?
We rehearse at Longs Peak United Methodist Church on a regular schedule throughout the season. Rehearsals are professional, high-energy, and move fast — we play a lot, we correct, and we play again. Don’t expect to coast. Occasionally we’ll run sectionals or bring in a clinician for a masterclass. The vibe is genuinely fun and pretty laid back — but the expectations are real.
Is there homework?
Yes — know your part, and listen to jazz. A lot of it. That’s the baseline for big band members. If you are in the combo, expect more: improvisation practice and jazz theory are part of the deal on top of your regular part preparation.
What do students actually learn in the LASJB?
Students develop big-band section playing, jazz improvisation vocabulary, sight-reading, music theory applied to jazz, and professional rehearsal discipline. Beyond technical skills, they gain performance experience in real venues — including a bi-weekly residency at The Passenger Restaurant — and work directly with nationally recognized guest artists through our Guest Artist Series each season. Our Music Director is an active professional trumpeter, composer, and arranger, and students work at the level he expects from professional musicians.
What’s the Combo, and how is it different from the Big Band?
The Big Band is the full ensemble — the whole band, full arrangements, the main event. The Combo is a smaller group that focuses heavily on improvisation, interaction, and real-time musical decision-making. It performs at select engagements and is a different kind of challenge. To be in the Combo, you must also be a member of the Big Band.
What’s the time commitment like?
We get it — you have a life outside of music. That said, the LASJB is a real commitment: regular rehearsals, concerts throughout the season, and personal practice time. If you show up prepared and present, you’ll get a lot out of it. Combo membership carries a higher time expectation than Big Band alone.
How much does it cost to participate?
Big Band tuition is $200/year or $100/semester. Combo members pay an additional $100/year or $50/semester (Combo membership requires Big Band membership). We’ve structured it this way intentionally — we want cost to be as low a barrier as possible.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. We believe every student who wants to be here should be able to be here. Financial assistance is available, and we’ll have a simple application process on the website at lasjb.org. Reach out to us directly if you have questions — we’ll work with you.
Where does my tuition (and donations) actually go?
Directly back into the students. Tuition and donations fund scholarships, student access programs, guest artist residencies, recording projects, music, and operational costs. We’re a nonprofit — there’s no profit motive here, just keeping the music going and making it accessible.
Where do you perform?
We perform at venues throughout the Longmont community and beyond throughout the season — including concerts at LPUMC, festival appearances like the Atom Jazz Festival, and select community engagements. Combo members also perform at venues like The Passenger in Denver as part of our residency series.
Can I come watch a concert even if I don’t have a kid in the band?
Absolutely — please do. Our concerts are open to the community and are a great way to experience live jazz in Longmont. Follow us on social media and check lasjb.org for upcoming show dates.
Do I have to already love jazz to join?
You should at least be curious about it — but full obsession isn’t required on day one. Plenty of students show up knowing a few tunes and leave the season with a record collection problem and strong opinions about Miles Davis. That’s the goal.
What’s the best part of being in the band?
Honestly? Ask a student — they’ll say something different every time. But it usually comes down to one of three things: the music, the people, or that moment in a performance when the band locks in and it just works. That feeling doesn’t get old.
Is jazz even cool anymore?
That’s a bold question to ask a jazz band. 
Yes! Next question.
What happens if I crack a note at the concert?
You move on, you play the next one better, and you don’t make eye contact with the Music Director for about 30 seconds. Then it’s fine. We’re all human.