Jazz Small Groups

Mark Urness and Lee Tomboulian, directors

Lawrence University Jazz Small Groups serve over 60 students in quartets, quintets, sextets, and octets. These ensembles study small group performance practice and improvisation in 2-3 weekly sessions that thoughtfully link theory and practice, promote aural training, emphasize traditional jazz repertoire, and explore contemporary improvisational concepts.

The Jazz Small Groups perform and record frequently throughout the school year. Ensemble repertoire typically includes swing, bop, hard bop, free jazz, contemporary jazz, and original student compositions. Groups study recorded performances by historically significant jazz artists and examine the works of composers such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman. Groups also focus upon the recordings and repertoire of visiting guest artists such as Wayne Shorter (2002-03), Charles Mingus (Mingus Big Band 2003-04), Dave Douglas (2003-04), Tim Hagans (2004-05), Kenny Wheeler (2005-06), and Benny Golson (2005-06).

Students participating in Lawrence jazz small groups, big bands, jazz improvisation classes, and applied lessons accrue standard jazz repertoire through a program titled Jazz Tune of the Week (see list of compositions below). A carefully balanced mix of 30 jazz compositions each year (120 over the span of 4 years) encourages students to assimilate essential standard jazz repertoire.

In the spring of 2003, the Lawrence John Coltrane Ensemble received an outstanding performance award at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival in Chicago.

Go to Jazz and Improvisational Music for more information

2007-2008 “Jazz Tune of the Week” Repertoire

2006-2007 “Jazz Tune of the Week” Repertoire

2005-2006 “Jazz Tune of the Week” Repertoire

2004-2005 “Jazz Tune of the Week” Repertoire

---

Lawrence University, PO Box 599, Appleton, WI 54912 (920) 832-7000 Contact Lawrence