It would be difficult to find a college or university today without some type of jazz program in their music department. Why is this? Jazz music is very popular amongst instrumentalists, especially at the college level. The fact is, the Jazz movement has grown tremendously in colleges around the world since the 1940s. This article features three of the best college jazz bands in the world.
Most colleges and university jazz programs consist of the traditional 18 to 20 piece big band. Big Band Instrumentation consists of:
- 5 Trumpets
- 5 Trombones
- 5 Saxophones
- Rhythm Section. However, a less established program may offer a class and settle for who ever signs up.
The best college jazz band programs will have a division in the music department with music faculty that specialize in this field. Classes will include:
- Improvisation
- Composition
- Arranging
- Studio Recording
- Several ensembles as a feeder system for the top elite group.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble
Located in Appleton, Wisconsin, Lawrence University maintains a large instrumental music program Including a symphonic band, wind ensemble, orchestra, and several jazz groups.
Under the direction of Patty Darling, the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble is one of the top-performing collegiate big band ensembles in the country. They were awarded the outstanding collegiate big band performance award for the third time by Down Beat magazine in 2007.
Good college and university music programs draw exceptional students from various locations around the country. This is the case with this school. This ensemble has a great reputation and a well-established program. This includes a “feeder system” called the university jazz band. The university also has a faculty group that performs regularly and is able to help instruct the students in jazz studies at the University.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
Central Washington University Jazz Band l
Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, Washington and is another university with a very impressive music program. Along with a full orchestra, symphonic band, wind ensemble, and vocal division, they also offer four jazz bands, three vocal jazz groups, and several combos. As all these ensembles are by audition, it is again worth saying that a good program attracts good students.
The best college jazz bands will always be performing the best literature for this idiom. Along with the great charts are students that can wail with impressive improvisation solo work.
Below is another sample of their top-quality sound and attention to detail in a “not so easy” chart. Under the direction of Chris Bruya, this is the Central Washington University Jazz Band I.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
University of North Texas One O’clock Lab Band
When we talk about the best college jazz bands in the world, the One O’clock Lab Band is in a class by themselves. Anybody that knows anything about jazz and university bands, has heard of and will know about this great ensemble. Located at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas,
the One O’clock Lab Band is the premier jazz ensemble and one of eight such groups. A large university music department with faculty that are world-renowned for their contributions to music including jazz. The One O’Clock Lab Band is the closest you can get to a professional ensemble. Listen to the video above to get a good dose of this monster band.
Directors
One of the most important elements of a successful program is that of the director. The director makes the group (and or program) thrive or die. This the case with the jazz program at the University of North Texas. Below is a list of the past directors of the One O’clock Lab Band since the 1940s.
- Leon Breeden
- Neil Slater
- Steve Wiest
- Alan Baylock
The names for each group correlates to the time they rehearse. Thus, Two O’clock, Four O’clock and up to the Eight O’clock Band.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
The One O’clock Lab Band is the elite band and has performed all over the world as ambassadors of jazz. Please listen to the video below as they perform an upbeat version of Harlem Nocturne.
The program at the University of North Texas has grown since the 60s when the school was called North Texas State University and there were four lab bands. Today, the other band serves as a phenomenal feeder system for that top band.
Each year the One O’clock Lab Band produces a professional recording. The recordings feature the top charts of that year. These are mostly compositions written by the students in the band. Amazing charts! The One O’clock Lab Band has 6 Grammy Nominated Albums to their credit.
In Closing
You don’t have to be a great lover of jazz to be able to appreciate the professional sound that comes out of these three particular groups.
They represent some of the Best College Jazz Bands in the World. As outlined in this article, bands of this high caliber have these qualities:
1. Superb music program within the university or college.
2. Outstanding directors and staff to develop the curriculum.
3. Amazing students recruited and attending the program.
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