Jazz Program
PHOENIX PROJECT JAZZ PROGRAM REGISTRATION
July 20 – 23, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington, MA
The Phoenix Project does not require an audition to be accepted! Applicants should self-select based on their comfort level with the selected repertory displayed on the website.
We will place you next to the professional musicians of Lexington Symphony who will both encourage and inspire the best from you and the ensemble as a whole. The aim is to have fun and play great music at a level that is rewarding for all.
Remember, when you play tennis with someone who is a better player, your game improves!
Ensemble Choices
The Phoenix Jazz Ensemble will work around blues in the jazz idiom, working on classic jazz standards from the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Duke Ellington and many more iconic artists. Sample charts are found here. We intend to offer improvisation workshops leading up to the actual Phoenix Project sessions that will be available to those of you who want to become more comfortable with the art of improvisation. Depending on how many jazz musicians sign up, we will also work on “little” Big Band or Big Band standards. Invite your friends to participate so that we can field a true Big Band!
Instrumentation
We welcome all musicians interested in exploring different jazz idioms to register and bring their instruments for a fun experience!
Link to online folder with parts will be distributed via email once parts assignments are made.
Registration & Participation Fees
Total fee = $1,250
$500 non-refundable fee due at registration
Balance due by January 15, 2026
Included in Tuition
Lunch all four days
Mingle with other participants and members of Lexington Symphony for food and conversation. Ask questions about the life of a professional musician
Sectional Workshops
led by members of Lexington Symphony. We are planning on at least one improvisation workshop approximately
2 weeks before the program, with additional instruction provided during the program
Full orchestra or jazz ensemble rehearsals
led by Jeffrey Leonard
Side-by-side public performance with jazz ensemble Wednesday night
Invite your family and friends to buy tickets!
Observe professional recording sessions of new music conducted by Jonathan McPhee,
including a follow up Q & A session with the conductor and composer
Access to recordings of the final concerts given by the Orchestra and Jazz Ensembles
Feel free to share with family and friends, but please do not post online
Talks on various aspects of music led by Jonathan McPhee and Jeff Leonard among others
Possible Add-On
Private Lessons with Lexington Symphony musicians
Separate fee for lesson, payable to the teacher. Information distributed during program
Timeline
● ● October 20, 2025 Link to registration page emailed to previous Phoenix Participants musicians
● October 26 , 2025 Registration form opens to public
● Acceptance to program in order registration received
● Late registration will be accepted through April 30, pending availability.
● Late-February: Additional details including repertory provided to fully registered participants
● January 15, 2026 Tuition Balance of $750 is due
● July 20 – 23, 2026 The Phoenix Project is in session!!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Questions? Email phoenix@lexingtonsymphony.org