students performing saxophone on stage

The Studio Jazz Ensemble, commonly called Jazz 2, maintains an active rehearsal and performance schedule throughout the year. This ensemble focuses on a wide range of classic big band literature and musical styles, with an emphasis on mastering the basics of jazz performance: dynamics, articulation and performance style. Students will also sight-read, as well as learn and discuss best practices in large jazz ensemble rehearsal and performance.

Rehearsal Information

clock icon

Times

  • Tuesday—11 – 11:50 a.m.
  • Wednesday—6:30 – 8 p.m.
  • Thursday—11 – 11:50 a.m.

map

Location

Hargreaves Music Building (MU), room 117 – Jazz Room

brochure

Course Numbers

  • MUSC 141, section 1B (0 credit – undergraduate)
  • MUSC 341, section 1B (1 credit – undergraduate)

Freddie Mendoza performing trombone during a recital

Conductor

Freddie Mendoza
assistant music professor of jazz trombone

Join the Ensemble

Audition Required

Please sign up for an audition time slot posted on the jazz bulletin board outside of room MU117. Each slot runs for 15 minutes.

Here are the requirements for your ensemble audition:

  • Prepare something that you have been working on or have performed in the past. It could be a tune, a transcribed solo, or a piece of music in a jazz setting.
  • All major scales
  • Improvise over a B-flat blues
  • Sight read

All auditions will be recorded and attended by Mark Buselli, director of jazz studies and the jazz studies faculty. The final listing will be posted late Wednesday evening of the first week of class. Students will have sufficient time before the Friday deadline to complete the drop/add process.