Ensembles - Jazz Ensemble and Combo
The Blake Jazz Ensemble is the top of two performing jazz ensembles at Blake High School. When the school opened in 1997 jazz band was an extra curricular activity, with students meeting after school one day per week. Jazz ensemble is currently in the daily curriculum, with beginning and advanced levels of instruction offered.
The Blake Jazz Ensemble performs many concerts and special events within the community, as well as District, State and National Festivals at which the band consistently receives “Superior” ratings. Jazz Bands at Blake High School have represented the State of Florida nationally through performances in New York City, and San Francisco, California. Blake jazz bands also represented the State of Florida internationally through an eleven-day tour of Japan, sponsored by the Florida Department of State.
The Blake Jazz Combo consists of the rhythm section and soloists from the full jazz ensemble. The combo offers students an opportunity to further develop their improvisation and leadership skills, as the combo often functions with student leadership. This group is in great demand for performances at high profile civic events attended by the Mayor of Tampa, School Board Members and Elected Officers of the State of Florida. The Blake Jazz Combo had the honor of performing for President George W. Bush during his visit to Tampa in 2005.