Closeup of a Sax line in a big band ensemble

Ensembles

Jazz Studies

Jazz Studies

Explore our Jazz Ensembles

The University of Texas Jazz Ensembles offer students an immersive musical experience that fosters artistic growth and a strong sense of community. Through the study and performance of repertoire ranging from the jazz tradition to original student works, students engage deeply with the music in big bands, small combos, and a medium-sized composers’ collective. Guided by dedicated and experienced faculty, these ensembles offer students opportunities to refine their skills as performers, composers, and improvisers while fostering meaningful connections through shared musical experiences.

Click below to learn more about our different ensembles. 

A saxophone player solos during a Jazz Orchestra Concert in Bates Recital Hall

Jazz Orchestra

Closeup of a Sax line in a big band ensemble

Jazz Ensemble

a jazz trumpeter performs with Jazz Band in Bates recital Hall

Jazz Band

AIME prepares for a concert at the Blanton Museum of Art

AIME

A Jazz Combo performs live in Recital Studio

Jazz Combos

Auditions 

Audition information for all of our ensembles are posted on the Auditions page at the beginning of Fall semester for the upcoming academic year.  

Audition Information

Requirements

Part 1 – Excerpt, “Little Pixie II” Performed unaccompanied

All Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, and Rhythm Section instruments:

PART II – Prepared Song, “Autumn Leaves” performed with rhythm section

Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, and Vocalists:
  • Play the melody
  • Take 1-2 improvised choruses
  • Play the melody out
  • Recommend performing from memory; no sheet music will be provided at the audition.
Rhythm Section Instruments
  • Play the melody
  • Take 1-2 improvised choruses
  • Comp for one chorus
  • Play the melody out
  • Recommend performing from memory; no sheet music will be provided at the audition.

NOTE: You may choose the tempo for “Autumn Leaves”. Vocalists may choose a comfortable key if the CONCERT part is outside their range.

PART III – Additional Selection

Prepare a short selection (3 minutes maximum) of your choice. It could be another tune, a performance on another instrument, a transcription of a solo, etc. Anything you feel represents your very best jazz musicianship.

Schedule

Auditions will take place August 22-25 in the Jazz Room (MRH 6.248). 

SIGN-UP

Sign up for an audition by August 20.

Contact

If you have questions about the UT Jazz Studies performance ensembles, please send an email to utjazz@utexas.edu.