Ensembles: Jazz

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Jazz Orchestra I | Octet I | Vocal Jazz Ensemble | 2007-2008 Concert Schedule

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Jazz Orchestra I (The Be-Bop Spartans)

The 19-piece Jazz Orchestra I is a young swinging college band playing the repertoire of the great jazz masters, including soul, swing, blues, and gospel. The group’s instrumentation includes saxophone (5), trombone (4), trumpet (4), bass, drums, piano, guitar, and vocalists (2).

Rodney Whitaker, conductor

Jazz Orchestra I is the premiere jazz ensemble at Michigan State University. Having recently appeared at

• Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, January 2006
• Detroit International Jazz Festival, September 2007
• Jazz @ The Center Series in Detroit, MI sponsored by the Arts League of Michigan
• Detroit Symphony Club Series @ The Max
• Notre Dame & Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festivals, January 2008
• Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Celebration, January 2008
• and at numerous venues in Michigan throughout the school year

Guest artists include:           

Awards:

The Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra 1

• Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival - Outstanding Ensemble 2005 & 2008

• Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival - Outstanding Saxophone Section 2005 & 2008

• Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival - Numerous Outstanding Soloist Awards 2005 & 2008

• Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival - Outstanding Rhythm Section 2005

• Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival - Outstanding Rhythm Section 2003 & 2005

• Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival - Outstanding Jazz Ensemble 2003 & 2008 

• Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival - Numerous Outstanding Soloist Awards 2005 & 2008

• Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival - Outstanding Saxophone Section 2005 & 2008

Rehearsals:

Tuesdays & Thursdays

1:05-3:40 p.m.

MSU College of Music Community Music School

Large Ensemble Room

841 Timberlane Street

East Lansing, MI

Audition Requirements (Jazz Orchestras I, II & III, Octets I, II, III & VI):

• Perform two selections (a jazz standard and a blues)

• Sight reading

• Improvisation

• Student may bring their own accompaniment, pianist, rhythm section, play-a-long CD, or perform a cappella

Sign-up sheet for Fall Semester 2008 Auditions will be located outside of Room 304 Music Practice Building (Jazz Office).

Auditions are open to all music majors and MSU students.