Performing Ensembles
JAZZ ENSEMBLES
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Jazz Ensembles are open to all UW Oshkosh students regardless of major. Auditions are held for all positions in the two jazz big bands at the beginning of each semester. Several jazz combos also meet regularly every semester, with regular campus coffeehouse gigs and late-night jam sessions a staple of UWO campus life.
The UWO Jazz Ensemble, directed by Marty Robinson, is the premiere jazz group and rehearses four times weekly and performs a minimum of two major concerts on campus each semester as well as occasional off-campus events. Several nationally known guest artists have appeared and/or worked with the UWO Jazz Ensemble in recent years, including trumpeter Scotty Barnhart, alto saxophonist David Bixler, trombonist Andy Martin, drummer Carl Allen, bassist Avishai Cohen, trumpeter Bobby Shew, alto saxophonist Jim Snidero, trumpeter Valery Ponomarev, tenor saxophonist Tom Washatka, pianist Mary Louise Knutson, trumpeter Byron Stripling, trumpeter John McNeil, and vocalist Janet Planet.
The UWO Jazz Lab Band, directed by David
Dunning, performs its own concerts every semester and is a great opportunity
for underclassmen and music education students, in particular, to get a
jazz big band experience. Music in both big bands is chosen to represent
the diversity of the jazz area and includes the numerous styles and eras
that help define “America’s musical art form.” Improvisation,
an essential element of jazz, is strongly encouraged by all members of the
ensemble though is not required for participation.
2007-08 Concert Schedule and Program Information
Fall 2007 Gigs and Jam Sessions
The 10th Annual Regional Honors High-School Jazz Ensemble Audition Information
For more information contact Dr. Marty Robinson at (920) 424-7015 or email robinsm@uwosh.edu.