The jazz ensembles at Iowa State University play exciting repertoire with likeminded individuals in a positive and challenging environment. The members of the ISU Jazz Ensembles regularly experience playing quality music, receive professional instruction, and enjoy unique performance opportunities.
These groups play a balance of traditional repertoire, modern music, swing band sets, and brand-new compositions. Creative programming is occasionally augmented with guest artist performances. Off-campus concerts include split-shows with high school groups, regional festivals, and university honor events. On-campus performances happen in the Martha-Ellen Tye recital hall, outfitted with a state-of-the-art live recording setup and qualified sound engineers to broadcast our shows around the globe through our live webcast.
The ISU jazz ensembles have had the privilege to work alongside noted jazz artists David Berkman, Jim Snidero, Reggie Thomas, Mike Vax, Ron Carter, Mike Lee, Arthur Lipner, Rick Haydon, and members of the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. They have also appeared at Stephens Auditorium, the Des Moines Civic Center, the Maintenance Shop, the Elmhurst Jazz Festival, the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, and the UNC Greeley Jazz Festival.
- Interested in joining an ensemble? See the audition page for more information.
- Interested in checking out the music? See the performance calendar for dates and times.
- Interested in tuning in to the webcast? See the recital hall webcast page for more details.
- Interested in supporting our program? Contact Mike Giles, Director of Jazz Studies: mgiles@iastate.edu