Jazz Studies
The University of Texas Jazz Orchestra is the premier jazz ensemble of the Butler School of Music. Grounded in the jazz tradition, the ensemble prepares students for professional careers as creative and versatile musicians. Its repertoire includes landmark works from the jazz canon, innovative pieces by contemporary artists, and original compositions and arrangements by students. Through intensive rehearsal, performance, and collaboration, the UT Jazz Orchestra fosters excellence in improvisation, ensemble playing, and musical interpretation. The group performs regularly at major festivals and renowned venues, and has toured internationally throughout Europe and Japan, often sharing the stage with leading voices in jazz today.
Join
Jazz Orchestra is open to all qualified students across the university by audition.
Audition Information
Requirements
Part 1 – Excerpt, “Little Pixie II” Performed unaccompanied
All Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, and Rhythm Section instruments:
- Start from the beginning, stop at letter “O”
- Reference recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MSMgwknQlI
- Sheet music will be provided at the audition
- Vocalists do not need to prepare
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.
Upcoming Performances
Etienne Charles, trumpet and composer
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors
The Jazz Age: 1920’s and 2020’s
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors
with UT Jazz Orchestra
In this extraordinary concert, Moran begins with a solo piano journey through Ellington’s iconic works—his personal ascent up “Mount Ellington”—before being joined onstage by UT’s acclaimed jazz orchestra for a thrilling big band finale. Experience Ellington’s timeless genius, boldly reimagined for a new generation.
Peter Bernstein, jazz guitar
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors
Melissa Aldana, tenor saxophone
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors
Watch
8:15 AM
By Thomas Wenglinski
Jeff Hellmer, conductor
Bates Recital Hall
Austin, TX
Recordings
In The Thick of It
The latest recording from Jazz Orchestra, hailed as "Stunning." by Jazz Times is available now.
iTunes • Spotify • Apple Music
The Jazz Orchestra toured Europe in Summer 2017, performing at the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals. Further travel is in the works.
Recent Visiting Artists
Conrad Herwig
Chris Potter
John Clayton
Michael Brecker
Stefon Harris
Maria Schneider
