CU Boulder Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Open to both music majors and non-music majors, our Vocal Jazz Ensemble 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 investigates the challenges of music making in a select ensemble setting with microphones, improvisation, guest instrumentalists and soloists.
CU Boulder 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.
CU Boulder 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.
CU Boulder 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.
CU Boulder Thompson Jazz Composers Big Band听
The Thompson Jazz Composers Big Band provides a dynamic platform for the creation, exploration听and performance of original compositions by students and faculty. Emphasizing collaboration and innovation, the ensemble workshops new works in a big-band setting, drawing from a wide range of musical influences. Open to students across disciplines, this group encourages experimentation beyond traditional jazz boundaries, fostering a creative environment for emerging and experienced composers alike.
