Jazz Area Ensemble Placement Auditions for Spring 2022

Department of Music

The University of Arkansas Department of Music invites all students to participate in Jazz Area Ensemble Placement Auditions for the spring 2022 semester! The jazz program 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
• Arkansas Soul Band
• Voices Ensemble

To audition, students must fill out the audition form.

Students may audition in either in-person or virtual format. The in-person auditions will take place in the Epley Band Building Jan. 13 and 15, 2022.

Any questions concerning auditions or ensembles may be directed to professor Jake Hertzog, jazz area coordinator. jhertzog@uark.edu. 

University of Arkansas Jazz Area Ensembles for Spring 2022

Each ensemble type offered this semester is as follows:

UA 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. 

Arkansas Soul Band
The Arkansas Soul Band performs standards from the classic soul, R&B, blues and funk styles, focusing on the music of Motown, Stax and other iconic performers. The ensemble also performs the music of contemporary R&B artists, blending hip-hop, rock, and commercial styles. This ensemble meets only in the spring semester. 

Voice Ensemble
This course of study serves to create an ensemble experience for those interested in jazz. Vocalists in this ensemble will gain the ability to sing standard jazz repertoire in an ensemble setting, create both percussive and melodic sounds with the voice and gain skills in the art of scatting and improvisation.