Jazz Ensemble

Directed by Dr. Ryan Anthony Picone

The Jazz Ensemble is one of the premier performing groups on campus, offering an exciting and immersive experience for students interested in America’s most original art form. This ensemble performs four major concerts per year, participates in an annual regional tour, and headlines the Jazz in the Cities Festival, making it a cornerstone of the college’s musical community.

Students in Jazz Ensemble explore the full spectrum of jazz history—from swing, bebop, and hard bop to Latin jazz, fusion, and contemporary jazz styles. At the same time, the ensemble serves as a creative space to explore modern compositions and original student works through a jazz lens.

With a strong emphasis on jazz theory, improvisation, ensemble arranging, musical interpretation, and teamwork, students not only develop technical and stylistic skills but also grow as expressive, collaborative artists. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz player or looking to deepen your understanding of the genre, this course provides real-world performance experience in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Directed by Dr. Ryan Anthony Picone, a passionate educator with over twenty years of experience, the Jazz Ensemble is more than a class—it’s a thriving musical community.