Welcome to the Jazz Season page.
Our four jazz ensembles perform twice each semester. SSU Jazz ensembles include:
- SSU Jazz Orchestra – the flagship 18-piece ensemble performing Big Band standards and modern jazz ensemble repertoire
- Concert Jazz Combos – two ensembles each semester rotating on a particular jazz sub-genre or era
- Latin Band – devoted to the styles, rhythms, and concepts found in music from the Caribbean, Brazil, and Haiti
Jazz Forums are now on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Live and in person! Schroeder Hall, room 1029
September 1 - (Alumni) David Lechuga-Espadas and Double Chunk
September 8 - SSU Faculty Jazz Ensemble
September 29 at 1:30 p.m.- Alphonso Horne & the Gotham Kings
October 6 - Jonathan Seiberlich
October 13 - Bennett Friedman Quartet
October 20 - Danielle Wertz
November 3 - SSU Jazz Combo - Ian Carey, director
November 10 - SSU Latin Band - Kendrick Freeman, director
The SSU Jazz Studies program gratefully acknowledges the support of Zildjian Cymbals and Markbass.
Friday, October 8, 2021
SSU Jazz Combos
The SSU Jazz Combo, directed by Ian Carey, and the SSU Latin band, directed by Kendrick Freeman, perform their Fall 2021 debut concert. Join us to hear our students perform compositions by the jazz iconoclasts of the 20th century, as well as a diverse array of styles from the Caribbean and South America.
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members...View Event DetailsFriday, October 15, 2021
Jazz Orchestra Concert
Join us in Weill Hall for the triumphant return of live big band jazz on the Sonoma State campus! The SSU jazz orchestra will present a variety of swinging tunes, classic vocals, and Latin grooves. Dancing shoes optional, but recommended!
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19...View Event DetailsThursday, December 2, 2021
Jazz Combos
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, for indoor seating at the Green Music Center.This includes audience members of all ages. For more information about our health and safety guidelines visit: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/ covid-19/
*All in-person performances...View Event Details
Friday, December 3, 2021
Jazz Orchestra
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, for indoor seating at the Green Music Center.This includes audience members of all ages. For more information about our health and safety guidelines visit: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/ covid-19/
*All in-person performances...View Event Details
Thursday, January 20, 2022
SSU/Redwood Empire Jazz Festival
Come hear the best high school jazz bands in Northern California at our competitive/educational festival.
Application Deadline: January 1, 2022 Participation fee: $400 for each band Make checks payable to Sonoma State University
Mail application and fees to: Sonoma State University Department of Music Attn: Brooke Tester 1801 East Cotati Ave. Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Featuring guest adjudicator/clinicians:
Marcus Shelby Marcus Anthony Shelby is a composer, bassist, bandleader, and educator who currently lives in San Francisco,...View Event Details
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Latin Band and Jazz Combos
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, for indoor seating at the Green Music Center.This includes audience members of all ages. For more information about our health and safety guidelines visit: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/ covid-19/
*All in-person performances...View Event Details
Friday, March 4, 2022
Jazz Orchestra
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, for indoor seating at the Green Music Center.This includes audience members of all ages. For more information about our health and safety guidelines visit: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/ covid-19/
*All in-person performances...View Event Details
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Jazz Combos
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, for indoor seating at the Green Music Center.This includes audience members of all ages. For more information about our health and safety guidelines visit: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/ covid-19/
*All in-person performances...View Event Details
Friday, May 13, 2022
Jazz Orchestra
Health and Safety for the 2021-22 Season
Beginning September 20, 2021, we will be implementing the following safety procedures for the 2021-22 Season.
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All audience members will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, for indoor seating at the Green Music Center.This includes audience members of all ages. For more information about our health and safety guidelines visit: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/ covid-19/
*All in-person performances...View Event Details