UC Jazz Ensembles runs roughly ten to twelve small combos plus a 17-piece big band, open to undergrad and grad students of any major. Each combo rehearses two hours a week, led by professional Bay Area jazz musicians, and performs at venues like Hertz Hall and the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse. Ensembles range from beginning (student-taught) to advanced, covering styles from Latin to contemporary jazz. Music majors can earn academic credit for participating.
ApplicationsFriday, August 28; Monday, August 31; Tuesday, September 1; and Wednesday, September 2; from 10:30am-3:30pm
2
Weekly rehearsal time (hours)
1-2
Concerts per semester
10-12
Number of small combos (approximate)
17
Big band size (pieces)
40
Years active as a tradition (per contact page)
1
Director
Events They Host
Spring Noon Concerts at MLK Student Union
Intermediate and advanced combos perform Thursday noon shows at MLK Student Union throughout spring semester
Jazz X2: Featuring UC Jazz Orchestra and Berkeley Nu Jazz Collective
Wednesday March 4 at 12pm, held at Hertz Hall
Spring Concert: Featuring all 3 Advanced Combos
Saturday April 25 at 2pm, held at Hertz Hall
Big Band Concert
Friday March 13 at 12pm, held at Lower Sproul
Video Game Ensemble Noon Concert
Friday March 6 at 6pm
Spring UC Jazz Orchestra End of Semester Concert
Wednesday May 6 at 7:30pm, held at First Congregational Church of Berkeley
Spring End of Semester Concerts at UCJ Studio
Intermediate/World Music Ensembles: Mon May 4 at 12pm; Video Game Ensemble: Tues May 5 at 12pm; Beginning Ensembles: Wed May 6 and Thurs May 7 at 12pm
Bi-annual showcases at Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse
Advanced combos perform biannually at the Freight and Salvage Theater in Downtown Berkeley
Jazz in the Loft evening concert series
Evening concert series held on or near campus each semester