Jazz Ensemble
Director
Auditions
Audition required. Open to all Western University students.
Rehearsals
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7–9pm
Complete Rehearsal Information
Quick Links
The Western University Jazz Ensemble performs music that encompasses virtually all styles and eras of jazz, encompassing classic repertory from the legendary bands of Duke Ellington and Count Basie as well as music from contemporary writers such as Maria Schneider, Wycliff Gordon, and Geoffrey Keezer. The ensemble’s mission is to provide students with the performance skills and pedagogical knowledge needed for successful careers as creative jazz artist-teachers. The ensemble seeks to achieve musical excellence in a professional environment with high expectations.
View Photos (Flickr)
2023-24 Performances
Joining us on campus for an in-person event? For always-up-to-date health and safety protocols, check our Audience Information webpage before you leave home.
All concerts approximately 1.5 hours in length. Download concert program in advance.
Thursday, November 23 | 7:30pm
Paul Davenport Theatre
Windows
Our first concert of the year will feature our trademark eclectic mix of classic and contemporary works by artists such as Benny Carter, Bon Iver, Mary Lou Williams, and (of course!) Duke Ellington.
Thursday, January 25 | 7:30pm
Wolf Hall, 251 Dundas St, London
Community
The Western University Jazz Ensemble heads off campus to perform at the beautiful Wolf Hall in downtown London’s Central Public Library. Admission is free.
Thursday, February 8 | 7:30pm
Paul Davenport Theatre
An Evening with Rodney Whitaker and the Western University Jazz Ensemble
The Western University Jazz Ensemble is honoured to welcome internationally renowned recording artist and jazz bassist Rodney Whitaker as Artist in Residence. Over a 25-year span, Mr. Whitaker has toured and recorded with a who’s who of jazz artists, including Jimmy Heath, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, Roy Hargrove, and Wynton Marsalis, to name but a few. For more information, see www.rodneywhitaker.com
Rodney Whitaker will also perform with a student Jazz Combo during the Fridays @ 12:30 Concert Series on February 9. Learn more This artist residency is supported by the Undergraduate Music Student Gift Fund
Thursday, March 21 | 7:30pm
Paul Davenport Theatre
Honours
Join us as we celebrate our graduating musicians as they perform their final concert with the Western University Jazz Ensemble.
Performance Excerpts
“Vine Street Rumble”, Benny Carter
Conductor, Dr. Thompson
2018-19
Excerpt from: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, Don Gibson/Arr. Quincy Jones
Conductor, Dr. Thompson
2018-19
Subscribe to our monthly events email for event notifications year-round, or visit music.uwo.ca/events for more information.
