JAZZ STUDIES - Ensembles
Small EnsemblesThe Jazz Studies Program offers a diverse and creative small-group performance experience. At present, the program features six small ensembles, each coached by one of our experienced jazz faculty members. The bands cover a range of styles including bebop, latin-jazz, free jazz, funk, hip-hop, and many others. Students are strongly encouraged to compose and arrange for their own groups. Under the direction of Peter Epstein, a weekly forum provides opportunity for each ensemble to perform and to receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty, and all groups participate in a final concert at the end of each semester. Members of Small Ensembles are selected by audition only.
Jazz Lab I, under the direction of Andrew Heglund, is UNR's premiere jazz ensemble. Lab I tours frequently and attends various jazz festivals on a regular basis. Jazz Lab I is composed of the more advanced students of the Jazz studies program. These are students who demonstrate an exceptional talent for reading music, jazz articulation, and improvisation. Members of Jazz Lab I are selected by audition only.
Jazz Lab II, under the direction of Andrew Heglund, is designed for students of various levels of musicianship. Lab II tours occasionally, and performs regularly with Lab I during both the fall and spring semesters. Members of Lab II are selected by audition only.
