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Welcome to the听Thompson Jazz Studies Program听at the听University of Colorado Boulder College of Music!
CU Boulder jazz ensembles offer students exposure to a variety of jazz styles through the rehearsal and performance of classic literature as well as the most current writing for jazz ensemble. The Concert Jazz Ensemble was recognized in DownBeat鈥檚 2014 Student Music Awards as one of the nation鈥檚 outstanding big bands听and鈥攊n 2015鈥攚as invited to perform at the 鈥淣ext Generation Festival鈥� in Monterey, California. Our jazz ensembles take pride in performing arrangements and original compositions by CU Boulder students and faculty.
Ensembles
CU Boulder Vocal Jazz Ensemble
This ensemble is open to both music majors and non-music majors, and comprises the study and performance of various jazz styles鈥攊ncluding swing, Latin jazz,听a cappella听and contemporary arrangements of new jazz standards and reharmonized pop tunes. This course further serves as an investigation of the challenges of music making in a select ensemble setting with microphones, improvisation, guest instrumentalists and soloists.
Concert Jazz Ensemble
The Concert Jazz Ensemble, the Thompson Jazz Studies Program鈥檚 premier ensemble, performs music from the rich legacy of big band music鈥攆rom its early swing days to music by contemporary innovators.
Jazz Ensemble II
Jazz Ensemble II听comprises听both jazz and non-jazz majors who perform a wide selection of repertoire for big band. 麻豆淫院 develop their mastery of styles, ensemble playing and improvisation.
Jazz Ensemble III
Jazz Ensemble III comprises听College of Music students focused on both performance and music education. 麻豆淫院 explore concepts of jazz pedagogy related to ensemble performance and improvisation while developing their skills in different jazz styles.
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, danz贸n, salsa, calypso and cha-cha-ch谩鈥攁s well as Brazilian forms, such as samba and bai茫o.
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.听One of our combos was recently recognized in DownBeat鈥檚 2016 Student Music Awards as one of the nation鈥檚 outstanding small jazz ensembles.
Personnel
John Gunther
Director, Thompson Jazz Studies Program
Bijoux Barbosa
Instructor, Jazz Studies
Paul Falk
Director, Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Brad Goode
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies
Jeff Jenkins
Instructor, Jazz Studies
Paul McKee
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies
Paul Romaine
Instructor, Jazz Studies