Welcome to the website of the Award-Winning Jacksonville State University Jazz Program! A premiere jazz program in the state, and one recognized for its successes both nationally and internationally. Our program, the largest in Alabama, has 4 large Jazz Ensembles, 7 Combos and the Latin Ensemble. Private jazz instruction is offered on every instrument from esteemed faculty, and a wealth of performance opportunities are provided to students studying jazz. A Minor in Jazz Studies is now being offered to students, and a Music Performance Degree in Jazz is coming soon!
This fall, we have 4 Big Bands, 6 Combos, and the Latin Ensemble.
Fall 2021 has presented itself with huge challenges (again) for Instrumental Area rehearsals due to Covid-19 and the spread of aerosols from playing instruments. We have approached our rehearsals with a "Safety First" approach, and are able to rehearse effectively in our new rehearsal space.
Follow us on the JSU Jazz Facebook Page!
Tour Schedule:
2021-2022
September 20th
Heirloom Taco
Jazz Combos
September 27th
Heirloom Taco
Jazz Combos
October 4th
Heirloom Taco
Jazz Combos, Latin Ensemble
October 5th
Anniston Army Depot Hispanic Heritage Luncheon
Latin Ensemble
October 11th
Heirloom Taco
Jazz Combos
October 15th
JSU Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Heirloom Taco
Latin Ensemble
October 17th
Parker Memorial Baptist Church, 5-7pm
Jazz Ensemble I, Tribute to Glenn Miller
October 18th
Heirloom Taco
Jazz Ensembles I, II, III, IV
October 25th
Mason Hall, 7:30pm
JSU Jazz Ensemble I, Finding the Soul In Jazz
Guest Artist: La’Roy Bodiford
November 1
Mason Hall, 7:30pm
Jazz Combos Fall Showcase
November 15th,
Mason Hall, 7:30pm
Jazz Ensembles Showcase
January 21st
Alabama Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference, 9:00am
Birmingham, AL
Jazz Ensemble I
February 18th
Black History Month Concert, 7:30pm
JSU Jazz Ensemble I, Combo 1
March 7
Mason Hall, 7:30pm
Jazz Ensembles
April 8th
11th Annual JSU Jazz Festival
Mason Hall, all-day, Evening Concert at 7:30pm.
April 12th
Sylacauga High School, Talladega Band Directors Association
Jazz Ensemble I, Latin Combo
Scroll down to watch what we were able to accomplish during this unprecedented year!
Watch our 2021 Virtual Jazz Festival!
Watch us Perform!
2021 Virtual Jazz Festival:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfq4z9yNEsOvjksKQXSuROgA9RU7BUuwS
JSU Jazz Ensemble 1- "Return of the Jitney Man" by Jeff "Tain" Watts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWKLNS6bPvE
JSU Jazz Faculty- "Be Still My Soul"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guxr3irPKvc
JSU Jazz Ensemble 1- "Chromazone"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufK7K0M_2Uo
JSU Jazz Ensemble 1- "Oban-Wan Kenobi" ft. Darren Kramer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0fRqcpmK8Q
JSU Jazz Ensemble 1- "Come Fly With Me" ft. Mike Williams
JSU Jazz Selected to Perform at the 2020 Jazz Education Network Conference
The most important performance in the history of JSU’s Jazz Ensemble I will take place on January 10, 2020, when the group will travel to New Orleans to perform at the Jazz Education Network’s International Conference. JSU is the only Alabama university invited to perform.
The 18-member ensemble will perform for roughly 600 people in a prime spot on the last day of the conference, said director Andy Nevala.
“I’ve attended these conferences a lot, so for us to get picked – it’s probably the biggest moment of my career at JSU and for the program itself,” Dr. Nevala said. “Just about every collegiate band director tries to get selected to this conference. It’s prestigious. They usually don’t choose colleges our size, so it was a wonderful surprise.”
Read the rest of the article here:
JSU Jazz Ensemble I was a recipient of a Downbeat Magazine2015 Student Award for "Outstanding Performance, Collegiate Jazz Ensemble." Look for us in the June 2015 Issue of Downbeat!
The "White Album" features JSU Jazz I performing Curnow and Menza charts, the Steel Band, and the Latin Ensemble. Come get your copy today!
Our First CD, The "Black Album", recorded at Bates Brothers Studios and released in December 2014, features JSU Jazz Ensemble 1 playing songs from the Radiohead Jazz Project in addition to the music of Jim McNeely. The recording also features the JSU Jazz Faculty performing originals by Chris Enghauser (Bass), Dr. Dave Lambert (Trombone), and an arrangement by Dr. Andy Nevala (Piano, Director of Jazz Studies).
Pick up your copy of each CD today!
For information about ensemble placement and scholarships, contact Dr. Nevala!
