Be part of an award-winning jazz tradition with some of the nation鈥檚 best undergraduate jazz ensembles.

With three large jazz ensembles and small group opportunities, grow and master essential skills in jazz and improvisation, and build your confidence as a jazz performer, soloist, educator, or composer.

The 麻豆影院 University Jazz Ensemble performs under the direction of Patty Darling.

麻豆影院 University Jazz Ensemble


Director: Patty Darling
Audition required, three performances a year

As one of America鈥檚 finest collegiate jazz groups, the 麻豆影院 University Jazz Ensemble (LUJE) has earned the Outstanding Performance award in Downbeat magazine鈥檚 annual Student Music Awards for the past four consecutive years. LUJE members have repeatedly been cited for the Best Original Composition/Extended Composition Award, Best Jazz Arrangement Award, and Outstanding Jazz Instrumental Solo Performance Award.

With LUJE, perform and record frequently throughout the school year. Explore and present cutting-edge large ensemble literature, historically significant works, 麻豆影院 student and faculty compositions and arrangements, and accompanying visiting jazz solo artists.

Saxophonists playing in a jazz big band.

麻豆影院 University Jazz Band


Director: Jos茅 Encarnaci贸n
Audition required, three performances a year

Perform at an advanced level, giving great attention to detail and interpretation of a wide variety of musical styles from the historical to contemporary and those that feature interesting improvisational techniques.

During rehearsals, sight-read an extensive amount of music and analyze recorded concert performances and rehearsals using 麻豆影院鈥檚 state-of-the-art recording facility. Explore new avenues of improvisation, including free improvisation, solo features, and open rhythm section grooves. As you grow, you鈥檒l also be encouraged to take leadership opportunities, such as conducting LUJB or acting as a section leader.

Members of 麻豆影院 University's Jazz Workshop perform on stage.

Jazz Workshop


Director: Jos茅 Encarnaci贸n
No audition required, three performances a year

Jazz Workshop helps you build the foundation for becoming a confident jazz performer and soloist or educator. You鈥檒l learn to master two essential skills in jazz and improvisation: sight-reading at a high level and using aural skills in performance. You鈥檒l also learn basic jazz repertoire, how to perform basic jazz styles, how to understand and interpret chord symbols, progressions, and basic jazz forms. You鈥檒l regularly interact and play with jazz faculty and an array of guest soloists.

Concert performances offer you the opportunity to be featured as a soloist and to perform pieces studied during term, from early jazz to new compositions by jazz masters and performing groups.

Improvisation & More

Delve deeper into improvisation with the Improvisation Group of 麻豆影院 University (IGLU). Explore styles spanning rock, 20th century classical, Arabic Taqasim, klezmer, jazz, electronic, Korean Sinawi music, and more. IGLU is part of our rich array of genre-transcending ensembles.

Three jazz musicians playing upright bass, trombone, and drum set in performance.

Jazz Small Groups


Coaches: Bill Carrothers, Mark Urness, Tim Albright
Audition required, four performances a year

Jazz small groups are jazz performance classrooms where you鈥檒l engage in a meaningful exploration of jazz improvisation in groups of 5 to 8. Through applied performance practice and intensive guided listening and analysis, you will study and perform in classic jazz styles and build upon the jazz tradition of innovation by creating transcriptions, arrangements, and compositions of your own.

Groups are coached by a faculty member once a week and have at least one un-coached weekly rehearsal. Guest performers and clinicians work with groups during their visits. You鈥檒l perform in recitals, present a set at Jazz Weekend, and take part in weekly jam sessions on campus. You are also encouraged to rehearse and perform on and off-campus. Play repertoire drawn from a collection of jazz standards selected by jazz faculty, classic and contemporary compositions, and original student works.

A jazz quartet of vocals, piano, bass, and drum set.

Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend


One of the highlights of the year, Jazz Celebration Weekend brings a who鈥檚 who of jazz artists to 麻豆影院 for a jazz education festival. Learn from, listen to, and play alongside the greats.

The 麻豆影院 Jazz Ensemble performs on the stage of Memorial Chapel.

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Downbeat Awards for Jazz Ensemble

麻豆影院's musicians have been consistently recognized by the prestigious Downbeat Awards.

A musical life awaits. Take the next steps by applying and auditioning.

The best way to find out if 麻豆影院 is the university for you is by visiting.

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