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Jazz Ensembles

Jazz Ensembles
Jazz Ensemble 1
Jazz Ensemble 2
Jazz Combos
Vocal Union
Jazz Ensembles
Jazz Ensemble 1
Jazz Ensemble 2
Jazz Combos
Vocal Union
Jazz Ensembles
BYU-Idaho’s Jazz ensembles are open for majors and non-majors alike. These ensembles teach students the fundamentals of jazz and allow for opportunities to perform, improvise, and even compose. Weekly Jam sessions are available to any student interested in participating, as well as opportunities to tour and attend various jazz conferences. Once a year the Jazz department hosts the annual Jazz Fest, inviting guest artists to come on campus, perform with BYU-Idaho’s premier bag band, and lead various clinics. Past guest artists include The Jeff Hamilton Trio, Ingrid Jensen, Bob Mintzer, Derrick and Vincent Gardner, Wycliffe Gordon, Delfeayo Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Nicholas Payton, Benny Green, and others. Auditions are required for participation in any Jazz ensembles.

Jazz Ensembles Audition Materials

Contact a member of the Jazz Faculty for more information.

Auditions Sign-ups for Vocal Union
If you have a love for jazz music, consider the Jazz Studies degree. You will get to learn a variety of jazz instruments, participate in recitals, and study the jazz genre.

The Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies with full and adjunct faculty for every jazz instrument, a Jazz Society, weekly jam session, and opportunities to tour and attend conferences.
Jazz Ensemble 1
MUS 330

Jazz Ensemble 1 is BYU-Idaho's premier jazz ensemble performing styles from Basie, Ellington and Fletcher Henderson through Thad Jones, Bob Mintzer and John Clayton. The group participates in festival competitions, performs with guest artists, and tours both domestically and internationally. Past guest artists include The Jeff Hamilton Trio, Ingrid Jensen, Bob Mintzer, Derrick and Vincent Gardner, Wycliffe Gordon, Delfeayo Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Nicholas Payton, Benny Green, and others.

Open to all students regardless of major.

Audition required
Jazz Ensemble 2
MUS 328 

The Jazz Ensemble 2 is a large ensemble open to music majors and non-music majors. A full curriculum is provided to help students learn the fundamentals of jazz. The group performs each semester.

Audition is required
Jazz Combos
MUS 324

Jazz Combos provide students the opportunity to learn and cultivate traditional and contemporary jazz art skills. Students develop improvisational solo technique. Additionally, combos gives a unique setting to explore tune writing and arranging techniques.

Audition is required

Vocal Union
MUS 318

Vocal Union is a 12-voice mixed ensemble specializing in close harmony and vocal jazz. This ensemble participates in many on and off-campus performances, joint concerts with BYU-Idaho Sound Alliance, and tours throughout Canada, the U.S. and Latin America. Concurrent enrollment in voice lessons is strongly recommended.

Audition is required
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Video Companion
Christmas Time is Here - Vocal Union with Time for Three - BYU-Idaho Department of Music

Vocal Union provides audiences with quality entertainment while giving its student performers a rich experience in complex rhythms and harmonies, stage, and microphone techniques.