Jazz Ensembles

Students perform professional-level jazz music in a variety of styles. Our ensembles are open to non-music majors as well as music majors and community members by audition. 

Auditions for all jazz ensembles will be on Monday, August 21 at 1pm in GMC 1029.

 

Jazz Orchestra

Jazz band performing behind SSU jazz stands

Doug Leibinger playing trombone
Dr. Doug Leibinger, Director of Jazz Studies
douglas.leibinger@sonoma.edu
707-664-4149

Course Information: MUS 390 Jazz Orchestra, 1 unit of credit

Meeding Dates: Mondays 7:00-9:40 PM GMC 1029

Description: Directed by Doug Leibinger, the SSU Jazz Orchestra is a 17-20 piece ensemble based on traditional big band instrumentation. Their repertoire includes large ensemble music from the 1920s through the present day. Concerts often feature guest artists.

 

"Down By the River" with Nicole Yarling and the SSU Jazz Orchestra

 

 

Latin Band

Latin Band performing on stage in Schroeder Hall

Kendrick Freeman playing drums in black and white
Kendrick Freeman, Director of SSU Latin Band
kendrickdrum@yahoo.com

Course Information: MUS 379 Latin Band GMC 1029

Meeting Dates: Thursdays 6:00-8:40 PM

Description: Directed by Kendrick Freeman, the SSU Latin Band is a 5-12 piece ensemble with flexible instrumentation that performs music of the Caribbean and South America, with an emphasis on Latin Jazz and Haitian Folkloric Music.

 

 

Concert Jazz Ensemble

SSU Jazz Combo performing on stage of Schroeder Hall

Ian Carey playing trumpet
Ian Carey, Jazz Trumpet Instructor and Director of SSU Jazz Combos

Course Information: MUS 391 Jazz Combos GMC 1029

Meeting Dates: Tuesdays 6:00-8:40 PM

Description: Directed by Ian Carey, SSU Jazz Combos are "themed" small groups of 3-10 students - some of the themes have included "Blue Note Ensemble;" "Funk/Fusion Ensemble;" "Hard Bop Ensemble:" "Student Jazz Composers Ensemble" etc. Emphasis is on improvisation and repertoire development.