The Jazz area offers small and large performing ensembles that are open to students of all majors. In addition to exciting performances, students enrolled in these ensembles will have the opportunity to work with the UT Tyler Jazz Faculty and the many jazz guest artists that visit campus! For additional information please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to us on YouTube!

Jazz Faculty

Dr. Sarah Roberts

Mr. Gary Freeman

Mr. David Rice

 

Ensembles & Courses

Jazz Ensemble 1

MUEN 1135/3135 001 MWF 12:20-1:15 pm

Jazz Ensemble 1 is directed by Dr. Sarah Roberts and is the premier jazz ensemble, recognized for its exceptional talent and outstanding performances. Participation is open to any university student regardless of major, however, ensemble placement is based on auditions held at the beginning of each semester. The ensemble performs a diverse repertoire that spans classic big band standards to contemporary jazz compositions. Known for their exceptional musicianship, tight ensemble playing, and dynamic performances, Jazz Ensemble 1 consistently sets the standard for excellence in jazz performance. 

Jazz Ensemble 2

MUEN 1135/3135 003 TTh 2:00-3:20 pm

Jazz Ensemble 2 serves as the essential training ground for aspiring jazz musicians, providing a foundational experience in ensemble playing. Participation in the ensemble is open to any university student. The group focuses on developing the skills and techniques necessary for advanced performance. Through rigorous practice and diverse repertoire, Jazz Ensemble 2 cultivates the next generation of top-tier jazz performers.

Swoop Jazz Collective

MUEN 1131/3131 013 TTh 3:30-4:50 pm

The Swoop Jazz Collective proudly represents our department as part of the Ambassador Program and is led by Mr. Gary Freeman. This ensemble serves as a musical ambassador, performing throughout the campus and the wider community. Through their engaging performances, the Swoop Jazz Collective showcases the talent and dedication of our students, fostering a deeper appreciation for jazz and strengthening our connection with the community. Participation in the ensemble is by audition at the start of each fall semester and membership is required for the full year (both fall and spring semesters). In addition, students selected as members of the Swoop Jazz Collective receive a scholarship.

Jazz Combos

MUEN 1131/3131 015 MWF 4:00-4:50 pm

The jazz combos provide an invaluable training ground for small group jazz playing. These ensembles focus on developing the essential skills of improvisation, communication, and collaboration within a more intimate setting. By exploring a wide range of jazz styles and repertoire, members of the jazz combos gain practical experience and confidence, preparing them for advanced performance opportunities. The combos are directed by Mr. Gary Freeman and participation is open to any student regardless of major.

Jazz Improvisation Class

MUAP 1125/3125 

Jazz Improvisation is a course designed to enhance students’ improvisational abilities by developing their aural skills, theoretical knowledge, and instrumental proficiency. Utilizing standard jazz tunes, the course explores harmony, melody, rhythm, improvisational concepts, basic keyboarding skills, and composition in a practical context. Topics include modes of the major scale, ii-V-I progressions, and the blues scale, as well as major, minor, and diminished chord structures with sevenths. The curriculum integrates theory discussions and written assignments with ear training, listening examples, and performance of standards to cultivate students’ stylistic improvisation skills.

Fall 2025 Jazz Ensemble Auditions will be Monday, August 25 from 3:30-5:00 pm

Jazz Ensemble Audition Information

Schedule Jazz Audition for Ensemble and Combos Here

Auditions will consist of:

• Prepared Excerpt
• Sight-reading Excerpt
• Improvisation on Bb or F blues (not required)

 

Prepared Examples can be found at the links below:

Saxophones                         Lead Trombone                      Bass

Section Trumpet                  Section Trombone                  Drums

Lead Trumpet                       Piano/Guitar

Link to example recording

 

Swoop Jazz Collective 2025 Audition Information 

The Swoop Jazz Collective is one of our Ambassador Ensembles. Students selected to participate will receive a $1000 scholarship for participation in both Fall and Spring semesters and acceptance of that scholarship is an agreement to participate in both semesters. Selection is limited to 6 members (typically 3 horns and 3 rhythm section).

Students interested in auditioning will audition at the same time as their Jazz Ensemble Audition. 

Auditions will consist of two tunes from the following list. One must be a blues, the other a standard from the list.

Auditionee will play melody in, solo (1-3 choruses), no head out necessary. Bassists include a walking chorus before solos. Drummers see separate instructions below.

Blues Choices: Billie’s Bounce or Au Privave (Tempo 160 or greater)

Standard Choices: What is This Thing Called Love, Blue Bossa, or Alone Together (Tempo 160 or

greater)

Students are allowed to read, but memorization is encouraged!

Drummers will demonstrate these styles: Medium-tempo Swing, quarter note = 120 BPM; Up-tempo Swing, quarter note = 250 BPM; Bossa Nova, quarter note = 130 BPM; Samba, quarter note = 184 BPM; Rock, quarter note = 105 BPM (8 bars only)

Audition music can be found here.

Student interested in joining a Fall Jazz Combo (not Swoop JC) should contact Mr. Freeman at gfreeman@uttyler.edu.