Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble:

• 2 Alto Saxophones (clarinet and flute doubles preferred)
• 2 Tenor Saxophones (clarinet and flute doubles preferred)
• 1 Baritone Saxophone (clarinet and flute doubles preferred)
• 4 Trumpets / 4 Trombones
• Piano / Guitar / Upright Bass / Drums & Percussion
• Voice

Combos:

• Instrumentation varies based on audition results

• Clinics with visiting jazz musicians
  Past clinicians include saxophonists John Wojciechowski, Jarrard Harris, and Artie Black, Dr. Ron Carter, trumpeter Marquis Hill, saxophonist Caroline Davis, trumpeter Victor Garcia, drummer Joel Spencer, and many more!
• Performances with touring jazz musicians
  Guest artists have included Dana Hall, Mike Lee & New Tricks, John Raymond Trio, and the Luke Gillespie Trio.
• Trips to hear world-class jazz in Chicago
  Jazz outings include trips to the Chicago Jazz Festival, The Jazz Showcase and Symphony Center Jazz concerts.
• Recording experience
  Combos record annually in spaces such as Wheaton's studios and the Chicago Recording Company.
• Collaborative workshops with other Chicago-area jazz ensembles
• Additional performances at The Stupe and at Chapel

Auditions will take place during the first week of classes and will include a prepared excerpt, Melody to ‘Tenor Madness 2023 Jazz Audition Music, and an optional improvisation of over 12-bar blues in Bb. Students are also invited to perform a prepared tune or additional written excerpt. Drummers should demonstrate their ability to playtime in the following styles: medium swing, fast swing, straight ballad with brushes, samba, and Afro-Cuban 6/8. Students will be placed in ensembles based on ability and ensemble needs.

Note: Students do NOT need to be a music major to audition and do not need to re-audition once they have been accepted into the ensemble. Returning members must register for jazz before Aug 25. 

Develop your sound and improvisational method through one-on-one study with our outstanding roster of private teachers. To enroll in private study, visit the Conservatory office in the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts and send an email to your instructor of choice:

• James Davis, jazz trumpet & combos:  james.davis@wheaton.edu
• Arthur Black, jazz saxophone: arthur.black@wheaton.edu
• Bradley Williams, jazz piano & vocals: info@bradleywilliamslive.com
• Steve Ramsdell, jazz guitar: ramsdellwade@comcast.net
• Lucas Gillan, jazz drums: lwgillan@gmail.com