MU Jazz Bands

Millersville University Jazz Bands

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MU JAZZ ENSEMBLE MU JAZZ LAB BAND
Prof. Ryan Kauffman, Director Dr. Joe Cernuto, Director
Ryan.Kauffman@millersville.edu  joseph.cernuto@millersville.edu 

JAZZ ENSEMBLES

The MU JAZZ ENSEMBLE is comprised of 18-20 players based on a "big band" instrumentation. Members are chosen by audition each fall. The MUJE performs both on and off-campus each semester featuring a repertoire that includes classic swing, jazz standards, and contemporary fusion styles. Guest artists have included Byron Stripling, Ernie Watts, John Fedchock, Larry McWilliams, Dean Sorenson, Ronald Carter, Sharrie Maricle, Chris Vadala, Dan Tepfer, Dave Sharp, Russ Peterson, Paul Haar, Pete McGuinness, Amy Banks, and Camille Thurman. Maintaining an active performance schedule, the MUJE has appeared in concerts sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz, the Villanova University Jazz Festival, and the Les Brown Jazz Festival. Each year, the MUJE hosts Jazz Fest De 'Ville, which is a non-competitive invitational workshop for high school and middle school jazz bands. The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Sextet performed at the Crescent City Jazz Festival in New Orleans in March 2018. Academic credit is available to all students.    

Jazz Ensemble: Rehearsals: Monday & Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 pm; WVPAC 100.


The MU JAZZ LAB BAND is an ensemble of flexible instrumentation (woodwinds, brasses, strings, piano, bass, drums, guitar) that accommodates a wide range of student experience levels.  No previous jazz experience is required, but students are asked to audition individually during the first two rehearsals to determine ability and part assignment. Less experienced musicians develop reading and interpretation skills while more advanced players are given a considerable opportunity to further develop their improvisational abilities. Varied performance opportunities are available and academic credit is available for all students.

Jazz Lab Band: Rehearsals: Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00-9:30 pm; WVPAC 100.

AUDITION Dates: FALL 2024

Auditions will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Murley Hall (WVPAC 100). Auditions are on a first-come, first serve basis – simply choose a time and come audition. A drum kit and amplifiers will be provided at the audition. See below for specific audition materials for your instrument.

Audition Materials

The MU Jazz Ensemble, directed by Professor Ryan Kauffman.