Jazz Ensembles (CRN 88254)
Jazz Ensembles
The Virginia Tech Jazz Ensemble is the flagship ensemble of the Virginia Tech jazz studies program. The group performs advanced big band literature of the past and present, with particular emphasis on new music by leading composers in the field such as Maria Schneider, Sherisse Rogers, and Vince Mendoza, as well as contributions from emerging artists and student arrangers.
Past honors include the Service Grant Award from Festival Williamsburg, the National Jazz Hall of Fame’s Collegiate Jazz Festival Award and numerous community citations.
Recent guest artists have included John Hollenbeck, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Maria Schneider, Byron Stripling, DD Jackson, Theo Bleckmann, Gary Versace, Allen Vizzutti, Tony Malaby, Alex Norris, Jonathan Kreisberg, Chad Eby, Andrew Bishop and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Concerts are presented throughout the year both on and off campus. Open to all students by audition.
Director: Dr. Jason Crafton
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:20pm - 1:10pm, Squires 243
Number of performers: 20
Virginia Tech Jazz Lab Band
The Virginia Tech Jazz Lab Band is a large ensemble performing traditional jazz big band repertoire, such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. Concerts are presented throughout the year both on and off campus. Open to all students by audition.
Director: Dr. Kyle Hutchins
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:25pm - 2:15pm, Squires 243
Number of performers: 20
Virginia Tech Jazz Workshop
The Virginia Tech Jazz Workshop fields three to four small groups every semester. Combos typically consist of a rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums) and up to four horns, providing opportunities for jazz students of all ability levels to develop their performance skills in small group communication and jazz improvisation.
Literature is arranged by each group and often includes original compositions by student members. Jazz Workshop combos perform several times a semester at various venues with professional performance opportunities available to advanced groups. Open to all students by audition.
Director: Cyrus Pace
Schedule: Monday Evenings TBA
Number of performers: 3 - 8 per group
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