Concert Jazz Ensemble

Enjoy an engaging jazz experience. Perform jazz classics and modern big band jazz works while working with inspiring guest artists. All students are encouraged to improvise. Private jazz lessons are available, along with supporting jazz courses in theory, improvisation, and history.

51�� the Ensemble

The ensemble meets Tuesdays and Thursdays in the 51�� Memorial Chapel from 4:10–5:30 p.m.

Guest artists/clinicians have included Claudio Roditi, Holly Hofmann, Mike Wofford, Bill Cunliffe, Bill Warfield, Bill Charlap, Bret Zvacek, Jeff Jarvis, Joe Carello, and Angelo Candela.

Concerts presented at 51�� have included the Kenny Barron Trio, The Bill Warfield Big Band, Jane Monheit, Dick Hyman, Luther Hughes & The Cannonball-Coltrane Project, Clay Jenkins, Joe Magnarelli, Hideaki Tokunaga, Rick Montalbano Sr., Richard Roeder, Tom Williams Jr., Thomas "Whit" Williams Sr., John Stetch, Alan Harris, and many others.

Mission

The Concert Jazz Ensemble works toward accomplishing the following key goals:
Perform quality music at as high a level as possible
Foster an appreciation for all jazz styles
Develop the art of listening in ensemble settings
Introduce all members of the jazz ensemble to the basic elements of improvisation
Guide those students who wish to undertake a serious study of jazz improvisation
Create positive and meaningful experiences for students through contact with guest artists
Offer great jazz to the campus and at-large community
Prepare jazz ensemble for performances at festivals
Place jazz development in historical context
Record CDs
Have fun

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