Jazz Area

The Jazz area offers small and large performing ensembles that are open to students of all majors. In addition to exciting performances, students enrolled in these ensembles will have the opportunity to work with the UT Tyler Jazz Faculty and the many jazz guest artists that visit campus! For additional information please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to us on YouTube!

Jazz Faculty
Dr. Sarah Roberts
Mr. Gary Freeman
Dr. Ricardo Allen

Fall 2024 Jazz Ensemble Auditions

Please read this first!

Auditions for all ensembles will take place on Monday, August 26 at 12:30 pm. All students should report to FAC 1221 at 12:30 pm for further instructions.

2024-2025 Swoop Jazz Collective Auditions

Please read this first!

Auditions for all ensembles will take place on Monday, August 26 at 12:30 pm. All students should report to FAC 1221 at 12:30 pm for further instructions.

Ensembles & Classes

The Jazz area is open for any student (music major or non-major).

Jazz Ensemble 1

MUEN 1135 001/3135 001
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 12:20-1:15 pm
FAC 1221

Jazz Ensemble 1 is the premier big band at The University of Texas at Tyler. This ensemble performs a distinguished repertoire, encompassing both classic and contemporary jazz pieces, and is open to all university students through audition. Throughout its tenure, Jazz Ensemble 1 has collaborated with renowned guest artists such as Terrell Stafford, Stockton Helbing, Bruce Bohnstengel, Kenny Werner, Chris Vadala, Lou Marini, and Adam Larson. In addition to frequent on-campus performances, the ensemble actively engages with the community, has headlined the Frisco ISD Jazz Festival, and has made multiple appearances at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival in Denton, TX.

Jazz Lab Ensemble

MUEN 1135 002/3135 002
Tuesday/Thursday 2:00-3:20 pm
FAC 1221

Due to substantial growth, Jazz Ensemble 2 was established in Fall 2023 as the second major jazz ensemble at UT Tyler. This ensemble is dedicated to refining students’ jazz skills and providing a solid foundation for their jazz education. In addition, to regular rehearsals, the ensemble performs two concerts a semester and is open to all university students regardless of major.

Swoop Jazz Collective

MUEN 1131-007 / 3131-007
Monday/Wednesday 4:30-5:30 pm
1221

Since Fall 2020, the Swoop Jazz Collective has been an integral part of the UT Tyler Music Ambassador Outreach Program, which also features the Patriot Brass Quintet. Under the guidance of UT Tyler faculty, these ensembles perform both on and off campus and engage in media projects to connect with the community. Upon successful audition and selection, all members of the Music Ambassadors program receive a scholarship for their participation.

Jazz Combos

MUEN 1131-008 / 3131-008
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30-4:50 pm
1221

Jazz Combos provide an opportunity for students to develop their improvisational skills in a small ensemble setting. Combos range in size from four to ten members and consist of unique groupsings of instruments and vocalists. Each combo, however, will consist of a rhythm section. Jazz combos are open to any university student, however, previous jazz experience is encouraged.

Jazz Improvisation Class

MUAP 1125/3125
Class time TBD

Jazz Improvisation is a course designed to enhance students’ improvisational abilities by developing their aural skills, theoretical knowledge, and instrumental proficiency. Utilizing standard jazz tunes, the course explores harmony, melody, rhythm, improvisational concepts, basic keyboarding skills, and composition in a practical context. Topics include modes of the major scale, ii-V-I progressions, and the blues scale, as well as major, minor, and diminished chord structures with sevenths. The curriculum integrates theory discussions and written assignments with ear training, listening examples, and performance of standards to cultivate students’ stylistic improvisation skills.