Jazz Ensembles

The Department of Music offers a variety of jazz courses for UCI students. All UCI students may audition for our Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo performance classes, which present quarterly public concerts. Below are details on those ensembles and other jazz-related classes.

Jazz Orchestra: MUSIC 178

The UCI Jazz Orchestra is dedicated to performing a wide range of big band repertoire, from classic works of the early and mid-20th century to more contemporary sounds. Emphasis is primarily on developing a cohesive ensemble sound, and learning to understand and interpret diverse large ensemble jazz repertoire from different eras. The orchestra is open to all UCI students by audition, and we especially encourage trumpet and trombone players to audition! The ensembles is comprised of both music majors and non-music majors, and is a 2-unit class, offered every quarter. Students must be enrolled in the course to participate, and the class requires a commitment to a weekly 3-hour rehearsal, several hours per week of individual practice and other work outside of class, and participation in a quarterly concert.

Auditions for Jazz Orchestra take place in fall during Welcome Week (i.e. prior to the first day of classes), and auditions are also held as needed at the start of winter or spring quarters. For audition details and the signup sheet, please see the Music Department's Welcome Week Schedule which will be made available by mid-August of each year. For further questions about Jazz Orchestra, please contact the UCI Jazz Orchestra Director.

Jazz Small Groups (Combos): MUSIC 176

Students who have prior experience with small group jazz improvisation may audition each quarter for MUS 176 Jazz Combo. For the 2026-27 academic year, MUS 176 Jazz Combo will be taught by Prof. Darek Oles and auditions will be held at the first class meeting each quarter. For the audition, please be prepared to play and improvise over two jazz standards of your choice, and bring a backing track if possible. The MUS 176 Jazz Combo class requires a commitment to a weekly 2-hour class, several hours per week of work outside of class, and participation in a quarterly concert. For questions about combo auditions, please contact Professor Darek Oles.