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

Jazz Orchestra

Join 

Jazz Orchestra is open to all qualified students across the university by audition.

Audition Info

 


Course

UNDERGRADUATE ENS 107J
GRADUATE ENS 185J

T-Th 3:30-5:30p  
MRH 6.248

 


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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.

Diego Rivera

Director of Jazz Studies

Director, Jazz Orchestra

Professor of Jazz Studies & Jazz Saxophone

Division Head, Jazz Studies

Read More about Diego Rivera

Upcoming Performances

Composer Etienne Charles, wearing a navy blue patterned kaftan and shawl, holds his trumpet beside his ear

Etienne Charles, trumpet and composer

Event Status
Scheduled

Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors

Colored graphic line art in the shape of a saxophone

The Jazz Age: 1920’s and 2020’s

Event Status
Scheduled

Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors 

Jazz pianist Jason Moran hugs himself wearing a red and white plaid blazer.

with UT Jazz Orchestra

Event Status
Scheduled

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.

Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein stands in front of a blue painted cement wall holding his guitar

Peter Bernstein, jazz guitar

Event Status
Scheduled

Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors 

Colored graphic line art in the shape of a saxophone

Event Status
Scheduled

Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors

Special guest TBA

Watch

8:15 AM
By Thomas Wenglinski
Jeff Hellmer, conductor

Bates Recital Hall
Austin, TX

 


 

Recordings

Recording Cover of "In the Thick of It"; High-rise buildings tower over the viewer on all sides with cloudy blue skies beyond.

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 plays in a lakeside park in the Swiss Alps at the Montreux Jazz Festival

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

headshot collage of recent visiting artists