This new division of CJMEA is an opportunity for students to engage in various styles of smaller ensembles in a highly collaborative environment. The Emerging Ensemble for 2025/26 is Modern Bands.

Based on the traditional rock band featuring a drummer, bassist, two guitarists and a lead vocalist, Modern Band expands the instrument families featured to brass, woodwind, as well as a variety of string and percussion instruments!

An ensemble with energy, excitement and charisma that draws the audience in with their visible joy of music making! There can be various instruments, multiple vocalists, or maybe even a laptop supplying sounds to a synth!

There is not strictly one genre or style that a Modern Band performs in. Instead of describing the sound, think about the possibilities as you check out the inspirational ensembles below!