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University of Wyoming

Jazz Studies

Dr. J. Scott Turpen, Director of Jazz Studies

Jazz Studies at UW
 

Check out the new Jazz Emphasis for music majors
 

Jazz Studies is an integral part of the music department at the University of Wyoming.  The program supports several performing ensembles including Jazz Ensembles, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos in addition to a strong curriculum of academic jazz courses.  These academic courses include four sections of Jazz Improvisation/Theory, Jazz History, and Jazz Techniques.  The ensembles are active performing on and off campus in a variety of venues including concerts, festivals, and clinics.  In addition to student groups, the Wyoming Faculty Jazztet is a dynamic ensemble, which consists of University of Wyoming music faculty. 

The Jazz Studies program is available for all undergraduate and graduate students and complements the outstanding traditional music curriculum.  Students are able to supplement their music education with a broad jazz curriculum that helps prepare them for a variety of situations in music whether as an educator or performer.

UW Jazz Faculty:

Dr. Steven Barnhart - Jazz History, Jazz Techniques, Combos, Percussion

Dr. Michael Krueger - Vocal Jazz

Dr. Kathleen McKeage - String Bass

Christopher Nicholas - Trombone

Dr. Thomas Pfotenhauer - Jazz Ensemble II, Combos, Trumpet, Improvisation

Dr. J. Scott Turpen - Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Ensemble I, Saxophone, Improvisation

Guest Artists: Each year many world-class jazz artists are brought to UW to perform, to perform with student ensembles during the Rocky Mountain Festival of Winds, and to present clinics for UW students. Past guest artists have included: Chris Vadala, Allen Vizzutti, The Mingus Big Band, Regina Carter, Wynton Marsalis, John Fedchock, Gregg Bissonette, Ellen Rowe, and Stefon Harris. Contact the Fine Arts Box Office at 307.766.6666 or online for ticket information.
 

 
Jazz Ensemble I performing in the Fine Arts Concert Hall

Jazz Ensembles:  Three 18+-member Big Bands form the heart of performing jazz groups.  Although these are performing groups, the Jazz Ensembles also serve as an educational venue for students to learn the history, various styles, and pedagogy of big band jazz music.  The Jazz Ensembles perform a variety of repertoire from all styles and periods of jazz music.  Faculty and student compositions and arrangements are often programmed.  These groups perform during the academic year and tour throughout the region.

 

 
Jazz Ensemble I performing at Burns High School in Burns, Wyoming

Vocal Jazz Ensemble:  This 10-16 voice select ensemble with rhythm section performs regularly on and off campus and adds the very important component of vocal improvisation and jazz singing to the curriculum.

Jazz Combos:  These small jazz groups focus on the art of improvisation as individuals and as an ensemble.  With the guidance of faculty coaches, students in jazz combos prepare and perform their own compositions and arrangements throughout each semester.  Here students learn the intricacies of performing with a small number of musicians and hone their improvisation skills. 

Wyoming Faculty Jazztet:  This group features the jazz faculty at the University of Wyoming with occasional guest artists.  The Faculty Jazztet performs regularly throughout the region and is available for concerts and clinics at schools.   


Wyoming Faculty Jazztet from left to right Scott Turpen- saxophone, Chris Nicholas- trombone, Steve Barnhart- drums, Kate McKeage- bass, Peter Queal- guest guitar

Recent Accomplishments: 
UW Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Combo I received Superior ratings at the 2003, 2004, and 2005 Greeley Jazz Festival.

10 UW students received Outstanding Soloist awards in the past three years at the Greeley Jazz Festival.