Studio Music and Jazz - Ensembles
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Jazz Ensembles
Quality jazz ensemble opportunities abound at the University of Tennessee. Although all of the groups play regularly on campus, most of these ensembles are active in the community as well, presenting concerts throughout the entire region.
Jazz Big Band
Directed by Keith Brown, the Big Band is a vital part of each student's
education. The group performs a wide variety of music from the libraries
of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, as well as
student and faculty compositions and arrangements.
The band performs many concerts each year which includes at least one concert featuring a guest artist of renown. Guest artists of recent years have included Frank Foster, Gary Foster and Marvin Stamm.
Jazz Studio Orchestra
The Studio Orchestra , directed by Rusty Holloway, is an exciting
ensemble which combines strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and rhythm
section. The group's repertoire includes both jazz and commercial music
and is taken from both the established repertoire as well as student
and faculty compositions and arrangements.
Small Jazz Ensembles
Small Jazz Ensembles are given top priority at the University of
Tennessee. Ten to fifteen small jazz ensembles rehearse twice each week
and are coached by faculty members and graduate assistants. The groups
range in skill level from beginning level to advanced and play a wide
range of repertoire.
In addition to the on-campus concerts, many of the groups are given the opportunity to play gigs in the community throughout the year. Additionally, many of the groups record regularly and have been honored in international publications such as Downbeat magazine.
UT Trombone Choir
The UT Trombone Choir, directed by Don Hough, enjoys a long tradition
of excellence and is regarded as one of the most outstanding ensembles
of its type in the country. The group's repertoire is large, encompassing
jazz as well as traditional music.