The U of A Department of Music invites all students to participate in Jazz Area Ensemble placement auditions for the spring 2026 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. 

To audition, students must fill out the audition form.

Students will audition in person or by virtual format, if they have been given permission by professor Jake Hertzog, jazz area coordinator, first. The in-person auditions will take place:

• Thursday, Dec. 4 — Noon to 1 p.m. and 3:30-7 p.m. in the Music Building

• Sunday, Dec. 7 — 1-5 p.m. in the Epley Band Building room 123.

This audition is necessary for the following ensembles:

World Music Ensemble — Wednesdays 6-7:10 p.m.

U of A Jazz Orchestra — Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-3:15 p.m.

Latin American Music Ensemble — Mondays and Wednesdays 6:20-7:10 p.m.

Jazz Combo — Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-11:50 a.m.

Soul Band — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:40-10:30 a.m.

Any questions concerning auditions or ensembles may be directed to professor Hertzog: jhertzog@uark.edu. 

JAZZ AREA ENSEMBLES FOR SPRING 2026

Each ensemble type offered this semester is as follows:

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 several 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.