The U of A's Department of Music invites all students to participate in Jazz Area Ensemble Placement Auditions for the Fall 2021 semester! The jazz program in the Department of Music offers a wide range of ensemble opportunities in jazz, world and popular music. All instruments and all majors are welcome to audition and participate. 

This audition is necessary for the following ensembles:

Jazz Orchestra

Jazz Combos

Latin American Music Ensemble

World Music Ensemble

Songwriter's Ensemble

To audition, students must fill out the audition form here: https://forms.office.com/r/iD9XS2ySu6

Students may audition in either in person or virtual format. The in-person auditions will take place in the Eply Band Hall:

Aug. 18, between 2 - 5 p.m.,

Aug. 20, between  2 - 5 p.m.

Aug. 21, between 1 - 3 p.m.

Aug. 22, between 2 - 5 p.m.

Any questions concerning auditions or ensembles may be directed to Jake Hertzog, jazz area coordinator, at jhertzog@uark.edu. Each ensemble type offered this semester is described below.

U of A Jazz Area Ensembles for Fall 2021:

U of A JAZZ ORCHESTRA

The Jazz Orchestra is the oldest jazz ensemble on the U of A campus. As a big band, the Jazz Orchestra performs standards in the genre and pushes the boundaries of jazz music with new compositions and arrangements, many by the faculty. 

JAZZ COMBOS

The Jazz Area offers a number of jazz combos that work with faculty members and student colleagues. Combos are formed based on need and performance is student-driven. Ensembles study and perform a range of small-group jazz from bebop to fusion to modern.

LATIN AMERICAN ENSEMBLE

The Latin American Ensemble performs music from Afro-Caribbean and Latin American traditions. This ensemble explores the music of one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world.

WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLE

The World Music Ensemble uses improvisation to explore many cultures of the world. A unique feature in the jazz program, the ensemble uses folk and Western instruments in performing music from Africa, Asia and the Americas. 

SONGWRITER'S ENSEMBLE

The Songwriter's Ensemble brings musicians and lyricists together to create new songs in contemporary music genres. The ensemble meets only in the fall semesters.