The Jazz Bands at Cypress Ranch High School feature two big bands: The Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz Ensemble. These ensembles focus on the study and performance of jazz and modern music and are comprised of musicians from all grade levels. Students in these ensembles are in one or more of the Fine Arts Department’s parent organizations (band, choir, or orchestra). Ranch Jazz is committed to bringing quality performances and experiences to the Cypress Ranch Community. In 2022, the Cypress Ranch Jazz program performed alongside the Houston Jazz Orchestra and GRAMMY Award Winner Sal Lozano.

Jazz Orchestra

The Jazz Orchestra meets year-round during the school day in sixth period. Membership is by individual audition in the Spring Semester. The ensemble focuses primarily on continuing the development of advanced skills needed to perform the many forms of jazz music at a high level. The Jazz Orchestra performs at school concerts, festivals, and is active in and around the community. 

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble meets year-round during the school day in seventh period and after school in the spring semester. Membership is open to all Cypress Ranch music students. Students in the Jazz Ensemble work towards learning basic jazz vocabulary, styles, and improvisation skills. This group performs at the annual Spring Jazz Concert. 

Swing School

Swing school is an ensemble that meets in the afternoons that is open to 7th and 8th grade members of our feeder programs. Swing school students rehearse alongside students from Cypress Ranch's Jazz Orchestra. Students listen to and discuss legendary jazz recordings, learn the basics of improvisation, and perform big band music together with experienced high school student mentors. The culmination of Swing School is a chance for the middle school musicians to perform live with the high school jazz bands at the Spring Jazz Concert in May.