RIT Jazz Ensemble

RIT jazz ensembles provide opportunities for students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, and drums to perform in a jazz big band setting. The ensembles emphasize jazz articulation and phrasing, rhythm and groove, and playing as part of a section. Students can also learn concepts of jazz improvisation although it is not a requirement for playing in an ensemble. Repertoire for RIT jazz ensembles include traditional music from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Thad Jones as well as newer contemporary pieces from various composers.

Rehearsals

Tuesday/Thursday jazz ensemble: 5:00 – 6:15pm, Annex 907
Tuesday night jazz ensemble: 6:30 – 7:45pm, Annex 907

Wednesday night jazz ensemble: 6:30 – 7:45pm, Annex 907

Credit

Enroll in Jazz Ensemble via FNRT-254. Contact Karl Stabnau for enrollment details.

FNRT-254
Credits 1
Preparing for and performing concerts of jazz repertoire offers students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of and appreciation for music, and its role in society, through the careful analysis of musical forms and ideas, and the comparison of exemplary works from a variety of times, places and social/cultural necessities. The RIT Jazz Ensemble performs three major concerts a year of standard repertoire from the early 20th century to the present. Students from the RIT Jazz Ensemble also have the opportunity to play in a variety of informal performances both on and off campus. Auditions will be held to assess proper placement. Contact instructor for more information.

Recently Performed Repertoire

  • Jump Jive and Wail - Louis Prima
  • David Berger - Business As Usual
  • Carvan - Ellington, Mills and Tizol
  • Flip Top - Mike Barone
  • Donna Lee - Parker and Davis
  • Birdland - Josef Zawinul
  • That Warm Feeling - Sammy Nestico
  • Honk - Jeff Jarvis

Ensemble Images

Contact

Karl Stabnau
Karl Stabnau
Visiting Lecturer
Director of Jazz Ensembles
Popular Music Collective
School of Performing Arts
College of Liberal Arts