Jazz Ensembles

The UConn Jazz Ensemble

MUSI 1115 section 001

Tuesday & Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

The UConn Jazz Ensemble is the flagship group of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Connecticut. The 20-piece big band’s instrumentation is comprised of five saxophones, five trumpets, five trombones, guitar, piano, bass, drums and percussion players. The ensemble pays homage to the rich big band tradition by performing repertoire that represents the wide spectrum of jazz styles and eras. Additionally, new works composed and/or arranged by UConn faculty, alumni and students are frequently programmed. The ensemble travels throughout New England to perform concerts and workshops for many high schools, educational jazz festivals, and music education conferences.

The UConn Jazz 10tet

MUSI 1115 section 002

Tuesday & Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

By establishing middle ground between the 17-piece big band and combos, the UConn Jazz 10tet complements the curricular ensemble offerings within the University of Connecticut's jazz program. Ranging from nine to twelve instrumentalists (although usually ten), the small size of the ensemble facilitates instruction in improvisation and musical interaction within rehearsals. Typically, the Jazz 10tet focuses on the music of a specific composer, arranger or professional band for a semester. Past composers include Michael Abene, Phil Allen, Bill Cunliffe, Miles Davis (Birth of the Cool), Gil Evans, Jeff Fuller, Earl MacDonald, Rob McConnell, Jim McNeely, John Mills, Michael Phillip Mossman, Gerry Mulligan, Marty Paich (Art Pepper +11), Dave Rivello and Nathan Parker-Smith.

Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra

The UConn Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra explores the intersection of music from Africa, Cuba, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Mambo, Salsa, Samba and more!

Jazz Lab Band

The 17-piece Jazz Lab Band is designed to function as a feeder system, training and developing students to climb the ranks from the Lab Band to the Jazz Ensemble. In rehearsals, the Lab Band focuses on sight-reading and repertoire chosen to teach and reinforce the stylistic nuances of big band jazz.

Jazz Combos

Under the guidance and direction of faculty members, students work together within assigned combos to develop proficiency in the art of jazz improvisation and small-group jazz performance. Groups are often organized according to themes, where the repertoire of a specific jazz composer or genre is addressed. To prepare students for professional performance situations, the memorization of standard jazz repertoire is expected. Combos perform frequently on and off campus. Concerts and clinics are given throughout Connecticut.

Earl MacDonald, MM

Earl MacDonald

Director of Jazz Studies
Director, Jazz 10tet
Director, Jazz Combos

earl.macdonald@uconn.edu
(860) 486-0670

John Mastroianni, MA

John Mastroianni

Director, Jazz Ensemble
john.mastroianni@uconn.edu
(860) 486-4796

Steve Bulmer, MM

Steve Bulmer

Director, Jazz Combos
steven.bulmer@uconn.edu

Christopher Morrison, MM

Christopher Morrison


Director, Jazz Combos

christopher.morrison@uconn.edu

2022-2023 Performances

Fall 2022

 

Jazz Combos Concert

Sunday, October 23, 2022
3:00 p.m.
von der Mehden Recital Hall

 

Jazz Lab Band Concert

Sunday, November 6, 2022
3:00 p.m.
von der Mehden Recital Hall

 

Jazz Ensemble Concert

Sunday, December 4, 2022
6:00 p.m.
von der Mehden Recital Hall

Spring 2023

 

Jazz Combos

Sunday, March 26, 2023
3:00 p.m.
von der Mehden Recital Hall

 

Jazz Lab Band Concert

Sunday, April 16, 2023
3:00 p.m.
von der Mehden Recital Hall

 

Jazz Lab Band

Sunday, April 16, 2023
8:00 p.m.
von der Mehden Recital Hall

 

Jazz Ensemble

Sunday, April 23, 2022
8:00 p.m.
von der Mehden Recital Hall

 

Spectrum Concert

Friday, April 28, 2023
8:00 p.m.
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts