University Jazz Ensembles

The UVM (Big Band) Jazz Ensemble

The UVM Jazz Ensemble performs classic big band repertoire as well as works by contemporary composers and arrangers.

Repertory

Past concerts have featured the music of Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Charles Mingus, Neal Hefti, Frank Foster, Oliver Nelson, Frank Zappa, Bob Brookmeyer, Chico O'Farrill, Maria Schneider, and many others.

Concerts and performances

The group performs one major concert every semester as well as appearing at off-campus venues such as the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Many renowned musicians such as Paquito D'Rivera, Maria Schneider, Carla Bley, Wynton Marsalis, and Clark Terry have appeared with the ensemble. The ensemble is open to all students currently enrolled at UVM.

The ensemble performs one major concert near the end of each semester as well as short performances at Homecoming and other events. The band has traveled to New York City, the Williamstown Jazz Festival, and other locales. Each year students have the opportunity to work closely with major jazz artists in residencies, workshops, and performances.

Auditions

An audition is required to become a member of the UVM Jazz Ensemble. Auditions are held at the beginning of every semester. Students should prepare two contrasting pieces (jazz etude, transcription, improvised solo, classical piece, etc.) and demonstrate their sight reading abilities. Improvisational skills are desired but not required.

UVM's Small Jazz Ensembles

Post-Bop Combo, Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble, Nonet, A & B Jazz Quartets, Vocal Jazz Ensemble

UVM's small jazz groups provide a setting where students can improve their improvisational skills and learn jazz and Latin repertoire. Each group meets once a week for 90 minutes.

The jazz combos consist of three or four rhythm section players (piano, bass, drums, and guitar) and three or four horns (sax, trumpet, trombone, flute, etc.). The groups typically play a few more complicated arrangements as well as "head charts" and tunes from fake books or lead sheets. Students are encouraged to being in original arrangements and compositions. In the Afro-Latin group students learn basic rhythm patterns, hand percussion, sing simple coros, and, occasionally, dance steps in addition to standard Latin jazz and salsa repertoire. Many of the students have also particpated in workshops and travel/study programs in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Players are encouraged to listen to and interact with each other. In performances students count-off and announce tunes, make cues, and, in general, lead their own groups.

Auditions

An audition is required to become a member of a the jazz ensemble or a UVM jazz combo. Auditions are held at the beginning of every semester. Students should prepare two contrasting pieces (jazz etude, transcription, improvised solo, classical piece, etc.) and demonstrate ability to sight read.

Please sign-up for a time slot (8 minutes) on the sheet posted in the Music Building lobby during the first week of classes. If you are unavailable during these times, you may contact Dr. Stewart at 656-7766 or e-mail: astewart@uvm.edu or Dr. Julien at 656-7760 or e-mail: Patricia.Julien@uvm.edu.

You will be asked to play a short prepared piece (preferably in the jazz idiom) and sight read. Improvisation is optional, audio equipment will be provided if you wish to bring a play-along CD.

Pianists, guitarists and bassists should be able to read chord charts. Drummers will be asked to play several different grooves including: fast and medium swing, ballad tempo (with brushes), Latin grooves, jazz waltz, funk, etc. Emphasis is on good time and a strong sense of swing. Amplifiers and a drum kit will be provided. Bring your own patch cords/wires and sticks and brushes.

Concerts and performances

Each group usually plays two concerts every semester  one in the recital hall and one on the main campus. Occasionally other concerts are organized.

Obtaining extra help from directors

The directors are always willing to help students with a difficult part or any other problem.

Last modified April 30 2013 12:30 PM