The UCSB Jazz Ensemble community features instruction, rehearsal and performance in both large and small ensembles including combos, medium sized bands (6-8 horns and rhythm section), and standard and extended big band (5 saxes, 4-5 trumpets, 3-5 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and added woodwinds and brass). Generally the Fall quarters will include the most opportunities for jazz performance at UCSB, where traditionally we offer a “Jazz Lab” section that invites less experienced musicians to learn about jazz theory/improvisation, small group performance techniques and expectations, and basically offers the building blocks of information and experience for anyone to succeed as a jazz improviser and performer, from beginning to advanced levels.
In recent academic years, the UCSB Jazz Ensemble and Combos performed extensively on campus and in the Santa Barbara area. These included performances in the UCEN Hub, for Parents/Family Weekend, at SOHO Music Club for the Santa Barbara Jazz Society, at the La Colina Junior High School Jazz Festival, the Dos Pueblos High School Choirs Concert, in the Music Department’s Music Bowl, for UCSB’s Open House Weekend, for the Pardall Carnival in Isla Vista, combo performances at Revolver Pizza on Santa Barbara’s West Side, and annually presents official quarterly concerts in Lotte Lehmann concert hall. Highlights of the last few years include a Fall 2022 collaboration with the student-run UCSB Pop’s Orchestra on a concert called “Seasons”, a tribute to “Women in Jazz” featuring trumpet star Barbara Laronga, a first place competition performance at the 2024 Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Festival, and annual Spring concerts featuring our outstanding graduating members of our UCSB Jazz Community.
Performing this music is the point of learning it, and we intend to perform as much as possible in the coming academic year, with plans for multiple guest artist visits, a week-long residency with New Orleans saxophonist Derek Douget, and a Spring Quarter gathering of UCSB Jazz Ensemble alumni, and much more. This is in addition to the formal and informal performances we already plan, and intend to continue to expand on the vibrant and diverse jazz community at UCSB.