Jazz Ensembles

Jazz Big Bands

Directors: Dean Sorenson and Reid Kennedy
Audition required. The University jazz ensembles play a variety of big band repertoire and perform for many events both on and off-campus. Entrance is limited to traditional big band instruments: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion. Registration takes place only AFTER audition placements.

• Jazz Ensemble I (MUS 3340/5340, section 001)
  • Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
• Jazz Ensemble II (MUS 3340/5340, section 002)
  • Meeting Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 11:15 am – 12:05 pm

Jazz Combos

Directors: Kyle Motl and Reid Kennedy
Audition required. Jazz combos—dedicated to playing small-group jazz—consist of a rhythm section (bass, drums, piano, or guitar) and one to four other instruments, depending on balance and ability level. Combos are open to players of all instruments. Combos meet twice per week and perform several times throughout the semester. The experience level in combos varies widely, and every effort is made to match players of similar ability levels. Registration takes place only AFTER audition placements.

• Jazz Combo I (MUS 3350, section 002)
  • Meeting Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:20 – 1:10 pm
• Jazz Combo II (MUS 3350, section 003)
  • Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:10 – 11:00 am

Repertoire Highlights

• Bluebird by Cory Wong

• Old Man River by Jerome Kern, arr. Bill Holman

• Notorious R.B.G. by Ayn Inserto

• It’s Going Down Now by Atsushi Kitajo arr. Spencer Ainza*

• Sculpture in Wood by Rudiger Pawassar arr. Aarush Bothra*

• Boogie Stop Shuffle by Charles Mingus

• Lullabye of Birdland by George Shearin arr. Blake LaBarge*

*indicates ensemble member

Learn more about jazz studies at the University of Minnesota.