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.
Jazz Ensemble Audition Requirements
(Big Bands and Combos) Fall 2026
Auditions will be held on Thursday and Friday, August 20–21, 2026.
Sign-up sheets will be posted outside each professor’s office beginning Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Students should select an available audition time for their instrument area. Auditions will take place in the rooms listed below.
All students should bring a copy of their fall course schedule to the audition.
Audition Locations
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- Saxophones: M211 — Professor Jones
- Brass (trumpets and trombones): M103 — Professor Whalen
- Rhythm section (piano, guitar, and bass): M210 — Professor Haugland
- Drums: M125, Jazz Lab — Professor Augustinis
Horn Players
Trumpet, trombone, and saxophone
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- Prepare the head to “Afternoon in Paris” in the original concert key of C, at a tempo of 110–130 BPM.
- Students are responsible for obtaining their own music and should bring an extra copy for the professor.
- For students unable to obtain their own copy, music will be available outside Professor Jones’s and Professor Whalen’s doors beginning Wednesday, August 19, 2026, along with the audition sign-up sheets.
- Be prepared to play two one-octave major scales selected by the professor.
- Be prepared to sight-read a short excerpt from the jazz literature.
- Horn players may optionally improvise two choruses on “Autumn Leaves.”
- A play-along track for “Autumn Leaves” will be provided during the audition.
Rhythm Section Players
Piano, guitar, and bass
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- Prepare a 60-second excerpt of your choice, such as an etude, transcription, bebop head, big band chart, or similar work.
- Bring an extra copy of the music for the professor, if applicable.
- Be prepared to play two one-octave major scales selected by the professor, where appropriate.
- Be prepared to sight-read a short excerpt from the jazz literature.
- A play-along track for “Autumn Leaves” will be provided during the audition.
- Improvising two choruses on “Autumn Leaves” is optional.
- Pianists and guitarists are required to comp for one chorus of “Autumn Leaves.”
- Bassists are required to walk a bass line for one chorus of “Autumn Leaves.”
Drummers
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- Prepare a 60-second excerpt of your choice, such as a transcription, big band chart, or similar work.
- Be prepared to play time in a variety of styles at the professor’s request.
- Be prepared to sight-read an excerpt from the jazz literature.
- Bring your own sticks and brushes to the audition.
Jazz Faculty
School of Music
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Address
2624 18th Street | Box 42033 | Lubbock, TX 79409-2033 -
Phone
806.742.2274 -
Email
schoolofmusic@ttu.edu