ñ Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Open to both music majors and non-music majors, our Vocal Jazz Ensemble comprises the study and performance of various jazz styles—including swing, Latin jazz,a cappellaand contemporary arrangements of new jazz standards and reharmonized pop tunes. This course further investigates the challenges of music making in a select ensemble setting with microphones, improvisation, guest instrumentalists and soloists.
ñ Concert Jazz Ensemble
The Concert Jazz Ensemble, the Thompson Jazz Studies Program’s premier ensemble, performs music from the rich legacy of big band music—from its early swing days to music by contemporary innovators.
ñ Thompson Latin Jazz Ensemble
The Thompson Latin Jazz Ensemble studies music from the Caribbean and South America and its integration and ties with jazz. Traditional and contemporary forms of Latin music are surveyed, including Afro jazz, Afro-Cuban, danzón, salsa, calypso and cha-cha-chá—as well as Brazilian forms, such as samba and baião.
ñ Jazz Combos
Jazz combos are organized to develop improvisational skills in a small group setting and to study significant periods, styles and artists in jazz history. Combo members are also encouraged to develop their own arranging and composing skills, and to use the combos as a vehicle for their own creative efforts.One of our combos was recently recognized in DownBeat’s 2016 Student Music Awards as one of the nation’s outstanding small jazz ensembles.
ñ Thompson Jazz Composers Orchestra
The Thompson Jazz Composers Orchestra provides a dynamic platform for the creation, explorationand performance of original compositions by students and faculty. Emphasizing collaboration and innovation, the ensemble workshops new works in a big-band setting, drawing from a wide range of musical influences. Open to students across disciplines, this group encourages experimentation beyond traditional jazz boundaries, fostering a creative environment for emerging and experienced composers alike.
