Jazz Ensembles

The University of Utah is one of the major universities that offers a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz, and is also a member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The Jazz program is well known and its performing ensembles and faculty have received many national awards and recognitions. There are two undergraduate degrees available in the jazz area, a jazz composition emphasis and an instrumental jazz emphasis, and it is not unusual for students to pursue double majors. The undergraduate degrees offer a complete preparation for graduate music programs (theory/composition and performance). The University's jazz ensembles are open to any student enrolled at the University of Utah. One need not be a jazz or music major in order to participate, however we are moving in the direction of having our elite number 1 ensembles comprised mainly of music majors. Auditions for the ensembles are held at the beginning of each semester. We currently have two big bands, seven combos (4475-001), and two jazz guitar ensembles. Jazz Ensemble I (4470-001) meets MWF 10:45-11:35 AM. Jazz Ensemble II (4470-002) meets TH 9:10-10:30 AM. Both rehearse in the band room, DGH 272, and auditions are held during the first class meeting of each semester. Jazz techniques are taught in; jazz theory and improvisation, jazz fingerboard technique, jazz keyboard technique, scoring, arranging, survey of jazz (jazz history) and composition classes, in the various jazz ensembles, private applied lessons, and in seminars with visiting artists. Some of our visiting artists have included Brian Bromberg, Clark Terry, Thad Jones, Urbie Green, Gary Foster, Sal Nistico, Billy Taylor, Pat Williams, Oliver Nelson, Billy Byers, Joe Henderson, Bill Watrous, Joe Pass, Stefon Harris, John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Billy Taylor, Elias Eliane, Freddie Hubbard, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, and many more of the most outstanding jazz clinicians and artists available in the world. Touring Our number one big band, combo, and guitar ensemble make annual tours to major jazz festivals in the Western part of the United States. We have won outstanding performance awards at practically every festival we participate in, and have had numerous awards at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow Idaho, and Greeley Colorado, Spring 2005