Community Ensembles Welcome All Jazz Enthusiasts

Tracy Riley

CMS jazz students performing at the Fayetteville Public Library

The fall semester of community jazz classes begins soon, and we want you to join us! No auditions are required; all ages, experience levels and instruments are welcome in this inclusive, supportive learning environment.

Chris Teal returns for the sixth year as director of our community ensembles. Each ensemble offers two learning options! Join us in person in the Billingsley Music Building or via live stream. This term, we offer two 12-week ensembles and one 10-week workshop. Ensemble participants have the option to perform at the Fayetteville Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 4.

• Jazz Blues Ensemble meets 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, from Sept. 7 to Dec. 7. The fee is $165 per person until Aug 31. Late registration is $179.
• Jazz Repertoire Ensemble meets 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, from Sept. 7 to Dec. 7. The fee is $195 per person.
• Jazz Piano Workshop-Level 1 meets 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursdays, from Sept. 9 to Nov. 11. The fee is $165 per person.

We are committed to honoring the historical pedagogy of creating jazz music, encouraging students to compose and perform their own improvisational pieces — to become creators, in addition to learning music. Participants will learn with and from one another in a student-directed environment, and from continued study via related video content.

Visit cms.uark.edu for more details and to register.

The Community Music School is housed in the university's Department of Music. With the goal of providing high-quality music instruction in both individual and group formats, the school provides year-round, non-credit, music-making opportunities, for students of all ages and ability levels.