UM's outstanding jazz program includes three Jazz Bands and several smaller jazz combos, all open to students by audition. Jazz Ensemble I is directed by Professor Rob Tapper, while Jazz Band II and Jazz Lab Band III are usually led by adjunct faculty and graduate teaching assistants. Please contact Rob Tapper or Johan Eriksson for more information.

Professor Robert Tapper
Director of Jazz Studies

Dr. Johan Eriksson
Professor of Jazz Studies

Jazz Bands

Positions in the ensembles are open to all university students, regardless of major, and are determined by auditions held at the beginning of each semester.  Jazz bands offer concerts and combos and perform often.  This growing program has the Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival in the Spring that brings in many talented artists to perform with the bands and work with them in clinics. 

Listen to the UM Jazz Bands

COUSINS
Comp. Vince Guaraldi/Arr. Jerry Dodgion
Josh Hungate, trombone
Eli Wynn, saxophone
Alex McDowell, saxophone
Tully Olson, trumpet

STELLAR
Comp. Victor Young and Ned Washington/Arr. *Owen Ross
Owen Ross, guitar
Haydn Halsted, drum set

PUSSY CAT DUES
Comp. Charles Mingus/Arr. *Elijah Wynn
Finn Carroll, bass
Elijah Wynn, saxophone
Haydn Halsted, drum set