About Jazz Arts

The jazz ensembles at Wichita State include Jazz Arts I, Jazz Arts II, and WSU hosts the Mid-Kansas Jazz Ensemble. Also, students are encouraged – and often do – start up combos throughout the year.

Jazz Arts I and II are 19-piece jazz ensembles selected each year by audition. WSU’s Jazz Arts ensembles are part of the university jazz studies curriculum, and both ensembles put on concerts through the year. In addition to the jazz ensembles, courses are offered in improvisation and jazz history. Jazz Arts I has consistently been selected to perform at state, regional, and national conferences and festivals and has performed with guest artists including:

• Ed Shaugnessy
• Willie Thomas
• Mundell Lowe
• Louis Bellson
• Bobby Shew
• The Four Freshman
• Richie Cole
• Charlie Rouse
• Bob Mintzer
• Branford Marsalis
• Mike Steinel
• John and Jeff Clayton
• Jiggs Whigham
• Matt Wilson
• Frank Mantooth

Rehearsal Schedule

Jazz Arts I - Bill Caldwell, Director meets in C-104 in the Duerksen Fine Arts Center at the following times:

Mondays – 12:30pm – 1:20pm
Wednesdays – 12:30pm – 1:20pm
Fridays – 12:30pm – 1:20pm

Jazz Arts II - Scott Strecker, Director also meets in C-104 at the following times:

Tuesdays – 12:30pm – 1:20pm
Thursdays – 12:30pm – 1:20pm