Jazz Area Ensemble Auditions Set For August 2023

The U of A Department of Music invites all students to participate in Jazz Area Ensemble Placement Auditions for the fall 2023 semester! The jazz program offers a wide range of ensemble opportunities in jazz, world and popular music. All instruments and all majors are welcome to audition and participate. 

This audition is necessary for the following ensembles:

• U of A Jazz Orchestra
• Jazz Combos
• Latin American Music Ensemble
• World Music Ensemble
• Songwriters' Ensemble
• Voices Ensemble

To audition, students must fill out the audition form.

Students may audition in either in person or virtual format. The in-person auditions will take place in the Music Building and Epley Band Building Aug. 21-23. Video auditions will be accepted.

Any questions concerning auditions or ensembles may be directed to Dr. Jake Hertzog, jazz area coordinator: jhertzog@uark.edu. 

JAZZ AREA ENSEMBLES FOR FALL 2023

Each ensemble type offered this semester is as follows:

U of A Jazz Orchestra
The Jazz Orchestra is the oldest jazz ensemble on the U of A campus. As a big band, the Jazz Orchestra performs standards in the genre and pushes the boundaries of jazz music with new compositions and arrangements, many by the faculty. 

Jazz Combos
The Jazz Area offers a number of jazz combos that work with faculty members and student colleagues. Combos are formed based on need, and performance is student-driven. Ensembles study and perform a range of small-group jazz from bebop to fusion to modern.

Latin American Ensemble
The Latin American Ensemble performs music from Afro-Caribbean and Latin American traditions. This ensemble explores the music of one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world.

World Music Ensemble
The World Music Ensemble uses improvisation to explore many cultures of the world. A unique feature in the jazz program, the ensemble uses folk and Western instruments in performing music from Africa, Asia and the Americas. 

Songwriters' Ensemble
The Songwriter's Ensemble brings musicians and lyricists together to create new songs in contemporary music genres. The ensemble meets only in the fall semesters.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Voices)
This course of study serves to create an ensemble experience for those interested in jazz. Vocalists in this ensemble will gain the ability to sing standard jazz repertoire in an ensemble setting, create both percussive and melodic sounds with the voice and gain skills in the art of scatting and improvisation.