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The University of Delaware offers all students the opportunity to audition for the performing jazz ensembles.
Capturing the
energy and excitement of big band jazz, Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz
Ensemble II are standard instrumentation big bands with saxophone,
trombone, trumpet and rhythm sections as well as solo vocalists. The
ensembles perform regularly on campus, exploring a wide variety of
music, past and present. Each year a well-known guest artist performs
with the bands. Past guests include Arturo Sandoval, Harry Connick, Jr.,
Denis DiBlasio, Phil Woods, John Fedchock, Jeff Coffin, Dizzy
Gillespie, Roger Ingram, Ingrid Jensen, Kenny Werner, Steve Wilson and
the Brazilian group Mi​nas. Jazz Ensemble I performs frequently off
campus in area schools, jazz festivals and concert venues.
The Jazz Chamber
Ensembles are smaller combos with flexible instrumentation. The focus is
on improvisation and group interaction while playing a wide range of
styles.
The UD Jazz Singers is a jazz choir led by Duane Cottrell.
The School of Music also offers a minor in jazz studies.
