University of Northern Iowa Department of Jazz Studies

UNI Jazz Studies. Jazz has been an integral part of the University of Northern Iowa School of Music for nearly 50 years. The original band, formed and run by student musicians in the early 1950's, eventually evolved into the UNI Jazz Studies program.

This nationally recognized program has grown to include several large and small jazz ensembles as well as a full curriculum of jazz studies courses. Read More

Jazz Combo Camp
Find out more about this year's Jazz Combo Camp which will be held
June 21-26. Click here

Jazz Band One places 2 in Sinfonia Ensemble
Jazz Band One lead alto saxophonist Robert Espe and lead trombonist Mike Conrad were selected to perform in a special jazz ensemble assembled specifically for the National Convention of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in Orlando, Florida this July. members were selected based on audition recordings and letters of recommendation submitted by Sinfonians nationwide. Congratulations to Robert and Mike.

John Riley @ UNI

John Riley, drummer with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, will visit UNI March 27 and 28 as part of the Iowa Days of Percussion, hosted by the UNI percussion area and Dr. Randy Hogancamp. Riley will perform with Jazz Band One and UNI Jazz faculty at 7 PM on Friday, March 27, and with the faculty again at 10 AM on Saturday, March 28. Both concerts will be held in Bengtson Auditorium in the newly renovated Russell Hall.

Tom Capps Memorial Scholarship recipients pose with
Dick and Joyce Capps

Pictured from left: Andrew Thoreen (2005), Brooke Peters (2007), Dick Capps, Joyce Capps, Billy Legrand (2008), Mike Conrad (2006).
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Two UNI combos selected for finals of Gene Harris Festival
Two combos with ties to UNI are among the 10 finalists in the 1st annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival combo competition. Group X (Jen Nebraska, UNI '07, alto saxophone; Joel Nagel, UNI '08, trombone; Mike Conrad, current UNI student, piano; Dave Tiede, UNI '07, drums; Jake Staron, UNI '07, bass) and The Aurora Quintet (Rachel Price, UNI '08, saxophone; current UNI students Andrew Thoreen, trombone; Peter Roberts, piano; Riley Sheetz, bass; and George McCutchen, drums) were selected from recorded submissions from across the country. Read More

Photos from the recent Maria Schneider residency
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Jazz Band One wishes to congratulate Mike Hoover, Rock/Paper/Scissors Champion (open class), 2008
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