ľֱ Jazz Ensembles (Combos)
ľֱ Jazz Ensembles (combos) allow students to focus on a particular instrument, style, or composer; standard groups include the Guitar Ensemble, New Orleans Music Combo, the Composers’ Forum, and the World Beat Ensemble.
“Jazz at the Sandbar” Program
Combos are the backbone of our unique “Jazz at the Sandbar” program. Each semester, each combo rehearses and performs a public show with a visiting artist on the bandstand at the Sandbar. Recent artists include Dave Liebman, Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker, Charles Neville, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Ellis Marsalis.
Auditions
Each semester, students try out for combo placement in an exciting “round-robin”-style audition. The small group setting allows close interaction with the professor and with fellow student musicians.