The Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble of 18 to 22 students. All styles of jazz are studied encompassing swing, Latin, fusion, bop, and American songbook standards of the Big Band Era. The Jazz Ensemble has tour Europe four times since 1993 with performances at the Montreux (Switzerland), Vienné (France), and the North Sea (Holland) Jazz Festivals. The most recent tour was to Italy and Greece in May 2008. Additionally, the GCJE has opened for Ray Brown and Phil Woods and participated in the Villanova and George Mason Intercollegiate Jazz Festivals. Guest soloists have included Paquito D'Rivera, Jim McFalls, Chris Vadala, Kathy Kosins, George Rabbai, John Fedchock, Denis DiBlasio, and Lew Soloff. Major jazz artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Dave Brubeck, John Pizzarelli, Bill Charlap, and the Count Basie Orchestra have also performed at Gettysburg College.
A jazz combo (Jazz Dispatch), improvisation lab, private improvisation lessons, and two jazz history courses are also part of the jazz curriculum. Students may elect to earn a B.A. in Music degree with jazz emphasis.
Related Links
Contact John William Jones, Director of the Jazz Ensemble
2008 Mediterranean Jazz Tour
Mason-Dixon Jazz Camp (June 21-25, 2009)
B.A. in Music with Jazz Concentration
Photos
Buzzjones.net
Jazz at The 2008 Gettysburg Festival
300 North Washington Street · Gettysburg, PA 17325