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
February 9 - Bennett Roth-Newell
February 16 - John Stowell
March 9 - Faculty Jazz Ensemble
April 6 - Ian's Combo
April 13 - Ben Rosenblum
April 20 - Latin Band
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
Join us in the amazing Weill Hall for a spectacular evening of jazz. First, warm yourself up with sounds from the Caribbean, Latin America and elsewhere with the SSU Latin Band directed by Kendrick Freeman; then swing into the holiday season with some festive big band arrangements from the SSU Jazz Orchestra featuring guest vocalist Josh Little.
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. ...View Event DetailsThursday, January 20, 2022
SSU/Redwood Empire Jazz Festival- CANCELED
Canceled due to new COVID-19 restrictions
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
Instrument Storage GMC 1057
Warmup GMC 1058 one half hour before performance
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Latin Band and Jazz Combos
Health and Safety for the 2022 Spring Season
The following safety procedures are required for the 2022 Spring Season:
Masks are required when indoors for everyone. All participants and 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. All participants and audience members must heed all Sonoma County Public Health orders and Sonoma State University safety protocols.For more information about our health and safety guidelines visit:...View Event Details
Friday, March 4, 2022
Jazz Orchestra- Echoes of the Masters
Many great big bands have come and gone in the last 100 years, but most would agree that the ones led by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Thad Jones were the most influential. Join us in Weill Hall to hear the 21-piece SSU Jazz Orchestra perform pieces from these ensembles, as well as new music influenced by them, including three world premieres from director and composer Doug Leibinger.
Health and Safety for the 2022 Spring Season
The following safety procedures are required for the 2022 Spring Season:
Masks are required when indoors...View Event DetailsTuesday, May 3, 2022
Jazz Combos
Health and Safety for the 2022 Spring Season
Masks are no longer required but are strongly recommended in indoor settings. They will no longer be required unless the artist requests it. We fully support and respect everyone who wishes to wear masks. Per county and state guidelines, proof of vaccination and negative tests are no longer required to attend Green Music Center performances. Please do not attend an event if you are experiencing any unexplained, COVID-related symptoms as listed here on the CDC website or if you have had recent close contact...View Event DetailsFriday, May 13, 2022
SSU Latin Band and Jazz Orchestra
Join us in beautiful Weill Hall for the SSU Jazz Department's final concert of the season! First up will be the SSU Latin Band, directed by Kendrick Freeman, performing diverse works by Hermeto Pascoal, Arsenio Rodriguez, Ray Obiedo, and many others. Then, check out some great modern jazz charts by the 21-piece SSU Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Doug Leibinger,, including a world premiere by alumna Alison Poteracke, and some fun surprises! See you there!
Health and Safety for the 2022 Spring Season
Masks are no longer required but are strongly recommended in indoor settings....View Event Details