Jazz Ensembles

The Georgia Tech Jazz Program, under the direction of Dr. Chip Crotts, provides a great opportunity to study one of America’s greatest and most unique art forms. The Jazz Ensembles explore music from the late 1920’s through the present day, including works by composers such as Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Bill Holman, Sammy Nestico and Pat Metheny. Emphasis in these groups is focused on ensemble playing and the art of improvisation, an essential element in jazz tradition.

Typically, 1-2 large jazz ensembles are offered each semester, as well as the opportunity to perform in a small combo setting. Each ensemble presents 1-2 concerts per semester, in addition to other on and off-campus events throughout the year.  The Jazz Program also strives to bring professional artists to campus and students will often have the opportunity to perform with these musicians and clinicians in concert during the year. Guests of the Jazz Program in past years have included Maynard Ferguson, Roger Ingram, Mace Hibbard, Joe Gransden and Arturo Sandoval, among others.

AUDITIONS

Auditions for the Jazz Ensembles/Combos will be held the first week of classes, August 20-21, in Room 101, Couch Building. Requirements for the auditions are as follows:

1. 1-2 minutes of a prepared jazz piece (solo/transcription/tune) or non-jazz piece

2. Short sight-reading (from a standard big band arrangement)

3. Improvise over a standard Blues in F (NOT REQUIRED)

(These should take no more than 5-7 minutes and please also let me know if you are auditioning for the jazz ensembles, combos, or both.)

Audition dates and times are as follows:

Monday, August 20 2:00-5:00 ( Wind Players Only)

Tuesday, August 21, 2:00-4:30 (Wind Players Only), 4:30-5:30 (All Rhythm Section Players- Couch 207/209)

For further information, contact Dr. Crotts by email at chip.crotts@music.gatech.edu or call 404-894-3194.

REGISTERING FOR JAZZ ENSEMBLES/COMBOS

Students can earn humanities credit by participating in the Jazz Ensembles, provided they meet the requirements listed in your Georgia Tech Catalog.

Course Name: Jazz Ensemble

Course                Section       CRN                  Title              Hours            Days           Time

MUSI1301            A             81420      Jazz Ensemble I           1              TTH         3:05-4:25PM

MUSI 1301           B             90389      Jazz Ensemble II          1              MW         2:05-2:55PM

MUSI2301            A             81421      Jazz Ensemble I           1              TTH         3:05-4:25PM

MUSI2301            B             90391      Jazz Ensemble II          1              MW         2:05-2:55PM

MUSI3301            A             81422      Jazz Ensemble I           1              TTH         3:05-4:25PM

MUSI3301            B             90392      Jazz Ensemble II          1              MW         2:05-2:55PM

MUSI4301            A             81423      Jazz Ensemble I           1              TTH         3:05-4:25PM

MUSI4301            B             90393      Jazz Ensemble II          1              MW          2:05-2:55PM

Course Name: Jazz Combo

Course                Section       CRN                  Title              Hours            Days           Time 

MUSI1301            C             90398      Jazz Combo                  1              TBD            TBD

MUSI2301            C             90399      Jazz Combo                  1              TBD            TBD

MUSI3301            C             90400      Jazz Combo                  1              TBD            TBD

MUSI4301            C             90401      Jazz Combo                  1              TBD            TBD