The Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra is the premier large jazz ensemble at the Bienen School of Music.

Primarily consisting of graduate degree and upperclassmen music majors in the Jazz Studies program, Jazz Orchestra is also open to qualified underclassmen and nonmajors by audition only.
 
Jazz Orchestra presents two concerts per quarter during the academic year. The ensemble is led by Interim Director of Jazz Studies Derrick Gardner.

Students interested in a jazz ensemble audition should contact Bernard Scavella bernard.scavella@northwestern.edu.

 

Faculty Conductor

Derrick Gardner

Director of Jazz Studies

Jazz trumpeter Derrick Gardner, inspired by the finest hard-blowing funky bop bands of the 1960s, is working to extend that great tradition as a performer, composer, and arranger.

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