School of Music
Jazz Ensembles
large Jazz ensembles
Texas tech JAZZ orchestra &
texas tech JAZZ ensemble
The large jazz ensembles are a traditional ‘big band' format and perform a variety of classic, modern, and original literature. Both groups perform on-campus twice per semester and have the opportunity to work with world-renowned guest artists, and as the premier ensemble in the program, Texas Tech Jazz Orchestra also tours regularly and has performed at major collegiate jazz festivals around the country.
This ensemble may be counted toward the major ensemble requirement for undergraduate students TWICE during their four-year degree. It meets ALL major ensemble requirements for graduate students. You do not need to be a music major to join an ensemble.
Recent guest artists featured with the ensemble include:
- Tom Harrell
- Jaleel Shaw
- Allen Vizzutti
- Steve Houghton
- Bill Watrous
- Ingrid Jensen
- Rich Perry
- Geoffrey Keezer
- Jon Riley
- Conrad Herwig
- Dick Oatts
- Wayne Bergeron
- and many others
Jazz combos
The jazz combos are small jazz ensembles, ranging from quartet to sextet in size. They are highly selective and focus on improvisational skills and small-group arranging over a variety of jazz repertoire.
ENSEMBLE AUDITION information
Thursday and Friday, August 21 and 22, 2025
Jazz auditions are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, August 21 and 22, 2025. Anyone wishing to participate in a large jazz ensemble or jazz combo must audition. We also ask that anyone who wishes to take applied jazz improvisation lessons who has not done so before, and are not currently jazz performance majors, also audition.
Auditions are separated by instrument as follows:
- Saxophones will audition with Professor Jones (Jazz Lab – Rm. 211.)
- Trumpets and Trombones will audition with Professor Whalen (Rm. 103.)
- Guitar, Piano, and Bass players will audition with Professor Haugland (Rm. 210.)
- Drum set players will audition with Professor Augustinis (Rm. 125 – Jazz Lab.)
Individual audition signup sheets will be posted in advance of auditions by each faculty person at the locations listed above.
Auditions will consist of a written excerpt, sight reading, and optional improvisation. The prepared materials and an improvisation practice track can be found by clicking the following links:
- Alto Sax
- Tenor Sax
- Bari Sax
- Trumpet
- Optional Lead Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Piano/Guitar
- Bass
- Play Along Track for Optional Improvisation
Additional Instructions for Rhythm Section Players
Drums – Be prepared to play a variety of styles, sight read, and you may also perform something that you prepared.
Bass – Prepare the written bass clef excerpt provided. Play a walking bass line in swing style to the chord changes indicated in the “optional improvisation” excerpt. You may also improvise a solo.
Piano/guitar – Prepare the written concert key excerpt provided in the link. Comp to the chord in swing style to the chord changes indicated in the “optional improvisation” excerpt. You may also improvise a solo.
School of Music
-
Address
18th and Boston Avenue Box 42033, Lubbock TX 79409-2033 -
Phone
806.742.2274 | Fax: 806.742.2294 -
Email
schoolofmusic@ttu.edu