Jazz Ensembles

KU's award-winning Jazz Studies Program, directed by Dan Gailey, offers opportunities for students interested in performing in big bands, combos and vocal jazz ensembles, and provides several levels of jazz improvisation, jazz theory and arranging classes to meet the needs of students who want to acquire skills in this important American art form.

The Department of Music and Dance now offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with a Jazz Studies Concentration. This exciting new degree program allows students to immerse themselves in a comprehensive jazz studies curriculum.

The KU Jazz Festival has for nearly three decades been one of the region's premier jazz events. Students in the jazz program are involved in the planning, production and performances of this exciting weekend of jazz each March. In addition, Jazz Vespers occurs each December, with Jazz Ensembles I and II, the Jazz Singer and Jazz Combo I featured prominently with guest KU faculty soloists.

How to Join

All jazz ensembles, combos and vocal jazz ensembles are open to any student, regardless of major or classification. Auditions for all groups will be held during the first week of classes each fall. For additional information, email Dan Gailey at dgailey@ku.edu, or check the bulletin board outside of Murphy 122 when you arrive on campus in August.