Jazz Ensembles
Jazz Band I (Major Ensemble) 
Under the direction of Grammy nominated composer and arranger John La Barbera (Professor of Music), Jazz Ensemble I is the premiere large jazz ensemble at the School of Music. This highly talented and diverse group features students from throughout the United States and around the world. Repertoire ranges from standard jazz literature to originals that focus on the latest in contemporary styles and techniques. In addition to works written for the ensemble by Mr. La Barbera, leading writers and arrangers like Bill Holman, Don Sebesky, Mike Abene and Mark Taylor have provided material for the ensemble.
Jazz Ensemble I has performed and accompanied many legendary jazz artists. The extensive list of jazz guests include: Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Curtis Fuller, Randy Brecker, Jimmy Heath, Bud Shank, Benny Golson, Stanley Turrentine, James Moody, Kenny Werner, Joe La Barbera, Don Braden, The New York Voices, John Fedchock, Bob Mintzer, David ‘Fathead’ Newman, Robin Eubanks and Kevin Mahogany to mention a few. During the summer of 2001, Jazz Ensemble I toured Brazil, performing in Rio, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Santos and Cubatão to enthusiastic audiences. The group recently toured the United Kingdom and has performed throughout the region.
Jazz Band II (Major Ensemble)
Jazz Ensemble II is under the direction of Jerry Tolson, Associate Professor of Music, and Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTS). The group focuses on the developing jazz student, providing an opportunity for a challenging ensemble experience while encouraging the performer to explore improvisation. The repertoire consists of jazz standards and arrangements mixed with original compositions. Guests artists such as Joe La Barbera, Kristin Korb, Gary Foster, Sunny Wilkinson, Jack Wilkins, Frank Griffith, Rick Simerley and others have performed with the group. Jazz Ensemble II recently participated in a tour of Brazil, performing in Rio, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Santos and Cubatão.
Jazz Repertoire Ensemble (Major Ensemble)
Jazz Repertory Ensemble is an ensemble of varied instrumentation that addresses the specific repertoire of historically relevant jazz personnel and time periods as well as current trends in jazz ensemble instrumentation. This may include, but is not limited to studio orchestra as well as nonets and little big band instrumentation.
Jazz Improvisation (Minor Ensemble)
The objective of the Jazz Improvisation Ensemble is to enable the student to experience the jazz idiom through actual performance. It is the expressed desire of the directors to assist the student in developing a lasting appreciation of jazz and improvised music. The main premise of the ensemble is improvisation. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between basic music skills and success in improvisation.
Similarities between quality music of other idioms and established jazz works are stressed. Selected pieces by the jazz masters and standards of the jazz idiom constitute the majority of performance material. The chosen material is varied in style, tempo, and difficulty while keeping in mind the educational needs of the ensemble.
Instrumental Jazz Combo (Minor Ensemble)
The objective of the Instrumental Jazz Combo is to enable the student to experience the jazz idiom through actual performance. It is the expressed desire of the directors to assist the student in developing a lasting appreciation of jazz and improvised music. The main premise of the combo is improvisation. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between basic music skills and success in improvisation.
Similarities between quality music of other idioms and established jazz works are stressed. Selected pieces by the jazz masters and standards of the jazz idiom constitute the majority of performance material. The chosen material is varied in style, tempo, and difficulty while keeping in mind the educational needs of the ensemble.
Jazz Combos (Minor Ensemble)
Improvisation is the primary focus of the study of jazz at the University of Louisville. The small group or combo is the cornerstone and the foundation of the program. Depending upon the number of participating students, combos will number from five to eight. Each combo meets twice weekly and is directed by a faculty person with assistance from a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). The combo program is modeled upon the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop experience. All interested individuals are encouraged to participate. Groups are not restricted to standard instrumentation.
Combos perform frequently on and off campus and are often featured at area events. Spring of 2006, a graduate jazz quintet and Mike Tracy, Director of the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program, toured and performed in St. Petersburg, Yaroslavl and Moscow, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; and Helsinki, Finland. During Summer of 2006, a jazz quartet participated in an international cultural meeting in Perm, Russia. They also performed in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. A group was one of the featured ensembles at the recent International Association of Jazz Educators Midwest Regional Conference held during May 2002.
