Letter to Students Interested in the University Jazz Bands
About the University Jazz Bands:
There are two big bands — with vocalists — a vocal jazz ensemble, and numerous combos (small jazz groups), so there are ample opportunities to learn jazz by rote, by the blues, and through improvisation. The ensembles have an active performance schedule with three or more annual concerts in campus venues, plus a variety of other gigs both on and off campus.
- Jazz Ensemble, one of two flagship ensembles, rehearses Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m.-noon
- Jazz Band, the training big band, rehearses Monday and Wednesday from 3:10-4:30 p.m.
- Vocal Jazz Ensemble, the other flagship ensemble — as well as combo schedules — are by arrangement, and meet twice a week.
- Students in the jazz program work with world class guest artists. In 2019, Grammy-award winners Peter Erskine and Joe Locke were visiting clinicians at Cal Poly.
Auditions:
Audition requirements will beposted on the University Jazz Bands website. Any changes to the process will be announced with ample time for preparation.