Performing Ensembles are a highlight of the jazz program
The Creative Large Ensemble, the Jazz Small Groups, and the Jazz Vocal Collective at Princeton engage the grand history of jazz as well as its modern forms and approaches. Performances take place both on and off campus. Guest artists are often in residence for a week conducting master classes and visiting ensembles and classrooms in addition to rehearsing with students. These have included Archie Shepp, Billy Childs, Theo Beckmann, Gerald Clayton, and Danilo Perez to name just a few. In some cases, guests have been commissioned to compose new work that is then premiered in concert.
Selection of Ensemble Performances
How to Audition for a Jazz Ensemble
2026-2027 Audition Information
Jazz Ensemble auditions will be on Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 2 in the Lee Jazz Studio (Effron, E101).
Note: This is Effron, not Woolworth. Enter on the Plaza Level of the Lewis Arts Complex near the reflecting pool.
Sign-up form is here
We ask that students prepare a piece, such as a solo transcription, etude, or similar, that conveys their current skills and abilities. There will also be some sight-reading. Improvisation is mandatory for small group placement but not for membership in the Creative Large Ensemble.
If you wish to improvise, please bring a backing track, iReal Pro-enabled device, etc.
Auditions tend to last no more than 10 minutes.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE - Fall 2026
CREATIVE LARGE ENSEMBLE, Todd Bashore, Director
Tuesdays and Thursdays - 4:30-6:30 PMSMALL GROUP I, Miles Okazaki, Director
Tuesdays - 7:00-9:00 PMSMALL GROUP A, Matthew Parrish, Director
Wednesdays - 4:30-6:30 PMSMALL GROUP X, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Director
Mondays - 7:00-9:00 PM
SMALL GROUP Z, Ted Chubb, Director
Wednesdays - 7:00-9:00 PMJAZZ VOCAL COLLECTIVE, Michelle Lordi, Director
Thursdays - 7:00-9:00 PM