Jazz

Studio Jazz Orchestra

The Studio Jazz Orchestra is the School of Music's top jazz ensemble, made up of the finest brass, saxophone/woodwind, and rhythm section musicians at SIUC. SJO performs both classic and cutting-edge repertoire at the local and national level, backs up visiting jazz artists, and records albums of original material in the School of Music's very own state-of-the-art recording studio. SJO is under the direction of Dick Kelley.

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Lab Jazz Orchestra

The Lab Jazz Orchestra is the School of Music's second full jazz ensemble, made up of highly skilled brass, saxophone/woodwind, and rhythm section musicians at SIU Carbondale. LJO focuses on developing the skills necessary to perform both classic big band repertoire and contemporary offerings.  The Lab Jazz Orchestra is under the direction of Phil Brown.

Jazz Combos

Jazz Combos (MUS 016) essentially functions as a lab for, and an extension of, Jazz Improvisation (MUS231). While MUS 231 acquaints students with the foundations of jazz improvisation, Jazz Combos provides an interactive, small- group experience in which to utilize those developing skills. Jazz Combos familiarizes students with jazz literature appropriate for the collective skills and experience level of each group. Emphasis also is placed on convention and practice with regard to both jazz improvisation and jazz styles, as well as to presentation. Open by audition or by consent of instructor. Auditions typically occur during the first class meeting of each semester. Prerequisite: at least one semester of Jazz Improvisation (MUS 231) with a grade of C or higher, or consent of the instructor.