*Please note that this page is for semesterly ensemble auditions. If you are looking for School of Music admission auditions, please visit this webpage.*


Trombone player performing with jazz ensemble
Spring 2025 Jazz Ensembles Information

Jazz Chamber Ensemble (MUAP 355): Membership is open to all JMU students by audition. Ensembles are student-run with weekly faculty coaching. Repertoire includes all styles of small-group jazz with an emphasis on creative improvisation. Performances are held at various local establishments.

Meeting Times:

TBD upon combo placement and availability

Jazz Combo Spring Performance Dates:

Thursdays, 7pm @ Clementine Cafe


Jazz Band (MUAP 348): The JMU Jazz Band, founded in 1979, is a select group of approximately 20 students per semester. Membership, determined by audition at the beginning of each semester, is open to all JMU students and typically includes students from majors across campus. Students study repertoire that includes all major styles of big band jazz, as well as student arrangements and compositions. The ensemble has performed with a variety of well-known jazz artists. Recent guests include NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan, Joe Sullivan, Mike Titlebaum, Jim White, and Steve Wilson.

Meeting Times:

Tu/Th - 3:55-5:10pm

Forbes 1115

Jazz Band Spring Concert Dates*:

  • February 25, 7:30pm
  • April 30, 7:30pm

*please review your syllabus for dress rehearsal dates for these concerts.


Jazz Ensemble (MUAP 347): Membership is open to all JMU students by audition. The James Madison University Jazz Ensemble was founded in 1971 and is the premier jazz group in the School of Music at James Madison University. The ensemble has performed at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in Washington, DC, the Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Virginia Music Educator's Association annual convention. The JMU Jazz Ensemble has been featured with the United States Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble, the United States Air Force Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble, and at the East Coast Jazz Festival in Rockville, Maryland.

The ensemble has performed with many well-known jazz artists, including Dick Oatts, John Clayton, Greg Gisbert, Nate Smith, Shelia Jordan, Mike Holober, Joseph Eckert, Clay Jenkins, John D’Earth, Chris Merz, Mike Titlebaum, and Jim White.

Meeting Times: 

Monday - 5:20-6:10pm, Music Building 108

Tuesday/Thursday - 3:55-5:10pm, Music Building 108

Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert Dates*:

  • February 25, 7:30pm
  • April 29, 7:30pm

*please review your syllabus for dress rehearsal dates for these concerts.

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