The Conservatory Concert Jazz Ensemble is the top-performing Jazz ensemble at the
Conservatory. The instrumentation is that of a traditional Jazz Big Band with 5
saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and 5 rhythm (piano, guitar, bass, drums, and
percussion).
The group often features student and faculty compositions as well as original compositions
written especially for the group by Mr. Watson. In the past, the group has performed
concerts backing such artists as Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Owens, Paquito
D' Rivera, Ray Mantilla, and Curtis Lundy.
In 2002, Conducted by the Director of Jazz Studies Bobby Watson, the band performed
at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival and received the Division 1 superior rating. The
ensemble was honored again in April 2004 as the most outstanding university jazz
ensemble at the fourth annual North Texas Jazz Festival in Addison, Texas. The ensemble
was given the Dr. M.E. "Gene" Hall Award. The group hopes to continue to travel
to other festivals throughout the country and the world as the program continues
to grow.
Conductor
Bobby Watson, William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Distinguished Professorship in
Jazz Studies and Director of Jazz Studies
Audition requirements
Placement auditions happen during the first three days of each semester.
Recent Repertoire List
Afroisms the Spoken Word (U.S. premier)- by Bobby Watson
Wheel within a Wheel - by Bobby Watson
River Jordan - by Bobby Watson
Main Stem, Daybreak Express - by Duke Ellington
Invisible Lady - by Charles Mingus
Hello and Goodbye - by Bob Brookmeyer
The Conservatory Jazz Ensemble is dedicated to performing the classic Jazz repertoire
by the Giants of Jazz both past and present.