NJK Programs, Performances and Events
Big Band Jazz Academy
Discover professional level performance techniques while exploring big band jazz masterpieces from Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. The Academy culminates in a themed concert showcase performance!
Ensembles
Program Details
Location: Annapolis Area Christian School Upper Campus
109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Rehearsal Day & Time: Mondays, 6:00–7:30 PM
Semester Dates: February 9 – May 18, 2026
Tuition: $275
Final Performance: Kerr Center for the Arts (AACS Upper Campus)
Open House
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (Open House), followed by auditions
Location: Annapolis Area Christian School
Auditions are required for all new members and are rolling. If your child is interested in joining this elite organization, please reach out to us directly to schedule an audition and ask questions.
Audition Process (approx. 15 minutes):
Applicants will be notified about acceptance and chair placement following auditions.
Instruments Needed
Saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) • Trumpet • Trombone • Guitar • Piano • Bass • Drums • Percussion • Flute • Clarinet
Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are available for the Spring semester.
Questions? [email protected]
Discover professional level performance techniques while exploring big band jazz masterpieces from Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. The Academy culminates in a themed concert showcase performance!
Ensembles
- High School Big Band (Jazz Ambassadors)
- Middle School Big Band (Young Lions)
Program Details
Location: Annapolis Area Christian School Upper Campus
109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Rehearsal Day & Time: Mondays, 6:00–7:30 PM
Semester Dates: February 9 – May 18, 2026
Tuition: $275
Final Performance: Kerr Center for the Arts (AACS Upper Campus)
Open House
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (Open House), followed by auditions
Location: Annapolis Area Christian School
Auditions are required for all new members and are rolling. If your child is interested in joining this elite organization, please reach out to us directly to schedule an audition and ask questions.
Audition Process (approx. 15 minutes):
- Performance: One prepared jazz etude
- Scales: 2–3 major scales
- Sight-Reading: Short excerpt provided at audition
- Interview: “What would you like to learn about jazz?”
Applicants will be notified about acceptance and chair placement following auditions.
Instruments Needed
Saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) • Trumpet • Trombone • Guitar • Piano • Bass • Drums • Percussion • Flute • Clarinet
Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are available for the Spring semester.
Questions? [email protected]
Naptown Jazz Kids Honors Combo
The Naptown Jazz Kids Honors Combo is a premier small ensemble made up of eight outstanding young musicians, selected by audition from members of the Big Band Academy. Rehearsing on Mondays from 7:30–8:30 PM at Annapolis Area Christian School (109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144), this elite group provides an advanced opportunity for students to refine their skills in a focused setting.
As ambassadors of the program, the Honors Combo will showcase their talents through performances in the community as well as at special events hosted at Annapolis Area Christian School.
Tuition: $125 per semester
Eligibility: Students must be registered members of the Naptown Jazz Kids Big Band Academy in order to audition for the Honors Combo.
As ambassadors of the program, the Honors Combo will showcase their talents through performances in the community as well as at special events hosted at Annapolis Area Christian School.
Tuition: $125 per semester
Eligibility: Students must be registered members of the Naptown Jazz Kids Big Band Academy in order to audition for the Honors Combo.
Apex Arts Jazz Festival
Please join us for an evening of jazz at Studio 39 in Annapolis, featuring the Naptown Jazz Kids Honors Combo!
Friday, February 13, 2026
6:30 PM
Studio 39
291 Locust Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Admission is FREE!
No tickets are required – this event is open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.
This festival features performances and workshops with members of the Peabody Jazz Studies Faculty.
Friday, February 13, 2026
6:30 PM
Studio 39
291 Locust Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Admission is FREE!
No tickets are required – this event is open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.
This festival features performances and workshops with members of the Peabody Jazz Studies Faculty.
Community Concert with The U.S. Navy Commodores Big Band
US Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble
Please join us for an unforgettable evening of big band jazz with the United States Navy Band Commodores at The Kerr Center for the Arts on the campus of Annapolis Area Christian School – Upper Campus.
Monday, March 9, 2026
7:30 PM
Kerr Center, Annapolis Area Christian School – Upper Campus
109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Admission is FREE!
No tickets are required – this event is open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.
This concert will be the first in a new partnership between Naptown Jazz Kids and Annapolis Area Christian School, marking the beginning of an exciting alliance to bring more jazz and music education opportunities to our community.
Don’t miss the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble in concert, right here in Anne Arundel County!
Please join us for an unforgettable evening of big band jazz with the United States Navy Band Commodores at The Kerr Center for the Arts on the campus of Annapolis Area Christian School – Upper Campus.
Monday, March 9, 2026
7:30 PM
Kerr Center, Annapolis Area Christian School – Upper Campus
109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Admission is FREE!
No tickets are required – this event is open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.
This concert will be the first in a new partnership between Naptown Jazz Kids and Annapolis Area Christian School, marking the beginning of an exciting alliance to bring more jazz and music education opportunities to our community.
Don’t miss the Navy’s premier jazz ensemble in concert, right here in Anne Arundel County!
Arts Fest at Maryland Hall
Please join us at Maryland Hall in Annapolis for performances featuring The Young Lions and Jazz Ambassador Big Bands!
Arts Fest is a free, family-friendly event packed with hands on fun and live performances.
Location: The Bowen Theatre at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts - 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Price: Free
Arts Fest is a free, family-friendly event packed with hands on fun and live performances.
Location: The Bowen Theatre at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts - 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Price: Free
Happy Jazz Hour with The Naptown Jazz Kids Honors Combo
Please join us for a special performance this spring featuring The Naptown Jazz Kids Honors Combo, LIVE at the premier jazz venue in downtown Annapolis, 49 West!
Location: 49 West Coffeehouse, Wine bar and Gallery- 49 West Street Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
Price: Free
Location: 49 West Coffeehouse, Wine bar and Gallery- 49 West Street Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
Price: Free
Naptown Jazz Kids Big Band Invitational
Join us for our 3rd annual Big Band Invitational at UMBC! The day will feature high school and middle school big band performances, adjudications, and clinics. Improvisation workshop featuring the UMBC Jazz Studies Faculty, and instrument workshops/performances with The U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble.
This festival features student and community big bands throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The Naptown Jazz Kids Young Lions and Jazz Ambassador Big Bands will be featured during the morning performances.
Location: The University of Maryland Baltimore County Performing Arts and Humanities Building - 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250
Date: Saturday April 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Price: Free
This festival features student and community big bands throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The Naptown Jazz Kids Young Lions and Jazz Ambassador Big Bands will be featured during the morning performances.
Location: The University of Maryland Baltimore County Performing Arts and Humanities Building - 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250
Date: Saturday April 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Price: Free
Naptown Jazz Kids Spring Awards Concert
Please join us on Monday, May 18th to celebrate the achievements of our talented students at our annual Spring Awards Concert!
Location: Annapolis Area Christian School/Kerr Center for the Arts - 109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Date: Monday May 18, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Price: Free
Location: Annapolis Area Christian School/Kerr Center for the Arts - 109 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Date: Monday May 18, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Price: Free
Naptown Jazz Kids Individual Instrumental Lessons
Naptown Jazz Kids Lessons provide fundamental, classical and jazz instruction to students based on their individual musical needs.
All studio teachers are subject to a thorough interview process, including all state mandated background checks. Instructors create lesson plans tailored to individual student’s unique goals and skill level to help make the most of each lesson.
Join us, be inspired, and learn from the best!
For more information, please contact
[email protected]
- Lessons with qualified and vetted instructors
- Weekly 30, 45 or 60 minute lesson sessions
- Curriculum tailored to each student’s musical level
All studio teachers are subject to a thorough interview process, including all state mandated background checks. Instructors create lesson plans tailored to individual student’s unique goals and skill level to help make the most of each lesson.
Join us, be inspired, and learn from the best!
For more information, please contact
[email protected]
