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
Information about Fall 2026 auditions will be posted by the end of July.
Upcoming Performances
Jazz Band, Ensemble & Orchestra
Miles Ahead: Celebrating 100 Years of Miles Davis
Diego Rivera & Mike Sailors, directors
Jazz Band, Ensemble & Orchestra
with Ulysses Owens, Jr., jazz drums
Diego Rivera & Mike Sailors, directors
Jazz Band, Ensemble & Orchestra
with Wycliffe Gordon, jazz trombone
Diego Rivera & Mike Sailors, directors
Longhorn Jazz Festival
with Anat Cohen, jazz clarinet
Diego Rivera & Mike Sailors, directors
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
