One of the more notable musical ensembles this year was the Germantown Academy (GA) Jazz Combo, a separate ensemble created to focus more on the improvisation of jazz music. Directed by Mr. Christopher Horner, the Jazz Combo plans to participate in four events this year.
So far, the group has already played in two major events, the 1st one being a yield party for admissions that was held in February at GA.
“That was a good event for the group because they had a long time to play,” Mr. Horner said. “And we were kind of background music, so it was a lower-pressure type of situation, and they could try a bunch of things out.”
The 2nd event was held on March 5, 2026, at the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia, in which the group was able to get a featured song while also participating as background music for a GA alumni event.
“It was a little more intense, considering the more serious performance environment instead of playing just background music like the last event,” Arthur Hu ‘26, member of the Jazz Combo, said. “Getting out of the school to play was a good experience, though, and our group had a lot of fun.”
Members of the Jazz Combo were also able to connect with alumni at the event. Some of them shared their experience of being musicians at GA and had even participated in similar musical programs.
Preparation for these performances involves regular practice with the group, especially because of the style of music being featured, which is improvisation of jazz music. Rehearsal takes place during lunch and flex, which shows the commitment needed from Jazz Combo members.
“Practice definitely involves more group work together,” Hu said. “If we don’t practice together, we won’t have a well-rounded performance, especially because we mainly do improv.”
However, ensemble members are also often instructed to practice at home as well, using available backtracks to do improvisation, and also just listening to jazz in general.
“One of the things that they probably grow tired of hearing me say is that the best way to learn how to play jazz is to listen to jazz,” Mr. Horner said. “But you know, the things that happen outside of school hours, it’s on them to bring out and practice.”
The Jazz Combo group looks forward to two more upcoming events, both of which will take place at GA. On April 16, 2026, they will perform for a break party in the Roberts Family Library and later in the Middle School Green on May 27, 2026.
Being in the Jazz Combo provides young musicians with the chance to live the school’s mission in learning how to improvise and collaborate with others. They also get to explore more musical opportunities in both performance and being involved in more jazz music.
“Definitely learning how to be independent and think and learning how to listen to each other and play off of each other is a big part of this,” Mr. Horner said. “[It] involves a lot of collaboration and also being compassionate, and spirit is really an important part of it.