The Kingston High School Jazz Ensemble was established in January 1997 by director Robert Shaut, a district middle school band teacher. Enough student interest led to a second feeder group the following year, now directed by Al Jachimiak. All rehearsals are scheduled in the evening, for two hours each week. Besides the rehearsals, Mr. Shaut has established an improvisation class on a separate evening. Jazz Ensemble members receive a full credit, and Jazz Band members receive half credit.
The Jazz Ensemble has performed at NYSSMA evaluation festivals in 2000 (Gold, level 5) and again in 2001 (Gold, level 6). The Jazz Band has also received Gold ratings the past two years on levels 3 & 4. Since 1998, the Jazz Ensemble has participated in the "Essentially Ellington" competition and has scored consistently high each year.
The Jazz Ensemble has established two major annual events in the Kingston district that serve as great performance opportunities, as well as being major fund raisers. The Kingston'S'Cools Jazz Festival is held each year in late January and the Big Swing Dance is held in the spring. Both events feature the two high school jazz groups, as well as the Miller Middle School Jazz Ensemble, also directed by Mr. Shaut. A guest artist or combo is also featured at the Jazz Festival. The Jazz Ensemble has also recorded a CD of the music of Bob Shaut, "Yo! Say 'Men to Dis!"
Director Bob Shaut is a well known jazz saxophonist and composer in the Mid-Hudson valley. His saxophone quartet has performed for over 15 years, and included Ed Summerlin, Ed Xiques and the late Ron Finck. Bob's jazz ensemble compositions have performed by numerous high school, college and professional bands. Mr. Shaut's school groups have consistently scored gold ratings at NYSSMA, and he has conducted several All County bands and Jazz Ensembles. He has been selected to Who's Who Among American Teachers in 2000 and 2002, and to the Marquis Who's Who in America in 2002.