David L. Walters Department of Music

Dr. Andy Nevala, Director

The Award-Winning Jacksonville State University Jazz Ensembles provide students with the opportunity to develop skills associated with performance in the jazz idiom while performing a wide variety of contemporary and traditional jazz styles. The Jazz Ensembles are open to all JSU students, music and non-majors alike, and placement auditions are held the day before classes begin every semester.  Basic concepts that lead to creativity and self-expression in jazz are learned by participating in Jazz Ensembles, and the improvisatory elements in jazz performance offer an important and unique opportunity for all students to develop their creative process.

Jazz Ensemble I is the Jazz Program's premier performing group. The eighteen member ensemble is selected by audition and open to any student at JSU, regardless of major.  The rigorous performing schedule includes several campus and community concerts each semester in addition to performances around the Southeastern Region. Jazz Ensemble I was a 2015 Downbeat Award Winner and has released two Albums in the past 4 years!

Jazz Ensemble II, directed by Dr. Dave Lambert, also performs at campus and community events throughout the school year. Members are selected by audition open to any student at JSU.

Jazz Ensembles III and IV do not require an audition, are open enrollment, and perform on two JSU Jazz concerts a semester. To participate, contact Dr. Andy Nevala at anevala@jsu.edu.