UAH JAZZ

Jazz at UAH

Jazz opportunities are available to all UAH students, regardless of major.  There is a Jazz Emphasis available for those music majors who are interested in intensive jazz study.

Jazz study at UAH includes:

• UAH 100 Jazz Ensemble (MUA 398)
• UAH 111 Jazz Ensemble (MUA 398)
• Jazz Combos (MUJ 396)
• Jazz History (MU 316)
• Jazz Theory (MU 205)
• Jazz Arranging (MU 317)
• Jazz Improvisation I (MUJ 301)
• Jazz Improvisation II (MUJ 302)
• Jazz Studio Instruction (MUJ 131, 141, 151, 161, 171, 181 – 30-minutes per week)
• Jazz Studio Instruction (MUJ 231, 241, 251, 261, 271, 281 – 50-minutes per week)

Jazz Performance

UAH Jazz groups have performed internationally, with trips to Scandinavia and Cuba.  The UAH Jazz Ensemble spent two weeks on a concert tour in Sweden and Finland in 2001 The online travel log is here.  The UAH Latin Jazz Ensemble spent one week studying in Havana, Cuba, in March, 2004.  This study-abroad program allowed us to rehearse and perform with some fabulous Cuban jazz musicians and learn about Cuban rhythms and the impact Cuban music has had on jazz.  Pictures are here.
 

Ensembles

The UAH Jazz Ensembles are 16-20 piece groups playing contemporary big band music.  Students in the band develop an understanding of — and experience in — jazz styles, improvisation, and performance techniques.

UAH Jazz Combos are small jazz combos with four to eight members focusing on improvisation and small group jazz.

In all ensembles, beginning through advanced jazz musicians gain exposure to a variety of jazz styles. Additionally, they develop a basic understanding of jazz improvisation, and, if interested, are encouraged to explore jazz arranging.

Guest Artists

Many outstanding jazz soloists have performed at UAH, usually accompanied by student groups.  These artists have included Ray Anderson, Chocolate Armenteros, Billy Bargetzi, Jeanie Bryson, Jim Cavender, Greg Chambers, Rick Davies, Dave Gannett, Darrell Grant, Charlie Lyle, Ladd McIntosh, Miles Osland, Billy Ross, Harry Watters, and Ken Watters.

Jazz Faculty

• Dr. Don Bowyer

  • Jazz Director

  • UAH 100 Jazz Ensemble

• Tom Branch

  • Drums

• Jim Cavender

  • Jazz Combos

  • Guitar

  • Bass

• John Miller

  • Piano

• Steve Motz

  • Saxophone

• Keith Taylor

  • UAH 111 Jazz Ensemble

  • Improvisation

  • Piano

Jazz Auditions

Click here for details on jazz auditions for 2008-09.

Recordings

Click here for concert sound clips.

Click here for information on the Future Standards CD by the UAH Jazz Faculty and Friends.