Ensembles

MUSIC 4615 Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble is the flagship group of the CU Jazz program. Students perform classic, modern, and contemporary repertoire in a large ensemble format. The group has commissioned works from Jim McNeely, Rufus Reid, and Paul Smoker and has performed with many jazz masters such as the late Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson, Barry Harris, and James Moody. More recent guest artists include Maria Schneider, Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein, and Wynton Marsalis. Although sight reading, musicianship, and ensemble work are the primary focus, there is a significant emphasis on the cultural and historical roots of the musicians and music performed. Audition Required.

MUSIC 4616 Jazz Combos

Jazz Combos consists of four groups/sections of various sizes named for generous friends, donors, or alumni of the jazz program. Combo repertoire often reflects the diverse interests of the musicians who populate the course. Occasionally, groups focus on one classic artist, such as Horace Silver, Art Blakey, or Weather Report, while other groups may choose to concentrate on writing and performing original material. Some elect a more balanced approach to jazz and jazz-influenced music around the globe. In all cases, students are encouraged to contribute to the curriculum by writing, transcribing, or suggesting pieces to study. This helps creates a rich collaborative environment that is overseen by weekly coaching sessions from faculty. Combos perform at events all over campus and New York State including New York City. Audition Required.

• Herbert Gussman Jazz Combo — Section 501

• Robert and Helen Appel Jazz Combo — Section 502

• Richard Trommer Jazz Combo — Section 503

• Kenneth Bissett Jazz Combo — Section 504

MUSIC 3615 Jazz Repertory Ensemble

The Jazz Repertory Ensemble meets only in the spring term, allowing members to explore other performance opportunities in the fall. The group performs classic big band literature from all decades with a significant emphasis on jazz composers, arrangers, and musicians from 1930-1950. The ensemble fosters a deep understanding of the cultural and historical roots of the art form and prepares students for the rigors of the Jazz Ensemble. Audition Required.

MUSIC 3609 Brazilian Ensemble

Deixa Sambar performs several styles of samba, Brazil's national music. Members need not have prior background in music-making, but a good sense of rhythm is desirable. Members include students as well as Ithaca community members, brasileiros as well as newcomers to Brazilian culture. Rehearsals develop playing skills, with a deep emphasis on cultural understanding of this vital, community-based music.

MUSIC 3660 Music Improvisation Ensemble

The Music Improvisation Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to explore the elements of music from an improviser's perspective. Each session will focus on a different area of improvisation, including noise, graphic scores, conducted improvisation, free music, small and large group improvisation, and interdisciplinary collaboration with dance and film. This ensemble is open to any level of musician. An audition is required at the beginning of the semester simply as a means of introduction. Informal Audition.

Student Org: The Original Cornell Syncopators

Founded by Colin Hancock ('19) in 2016, the Original Cornell Syncopators were formed to explore the music of the Original Dixieland Jass Band for a concert celebrating the 100th-year anniversary of their first recording. It has since grown into a larger ensemble, one that performs both sweet and hot music from the late 1910s to the mid-1930s. The group’s adviser, Professor Robbert van Renesse https://www.cs.cornell.edu/home/rvr/ as an original member and continues to play banjo. The Syncopators are a professionally motivated student-run ensemble that has performed in San Diego, Rochester, Philadelphia, and New York and hosted master classes with Wynton Marsalis, the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, and Mike Davis. Their recordings, ‘Live at the Triad,’ ‘Wild Jazz,’ and ‘Collegiate’ are available on all major streaming platforms. Membership by audition.

Student Org: Neo-Soul Ensemble

The Neo-Soul Ensemble is a pop, R&B, and Neo-soul band that plays originals and covers from a wide variety of artists. Originally founded in 2009 by Tony Craddock Jr. (‘10) and Clayton Henry (‘12) as a smooth jazz group, the ensemble has evolved through several genres with a focus on staying at the forefront of modern music while consistently drawing influence from jazz. The artistic goals of the band often shift to best serve the personal tastes and backgrounds of the talented rotation of members. The student-led Neo-Soul Ensemble has enjoyed a wide range of performance experiences, from intimate, jam-packed performances around Ithaca to opening Cornell’s Slope Day music festival in front of major music artists. Recently, they won recognition for outstanding performance in the Blues/Pop/Rock Group category of the Downbeat Student Music Awards. Their advisor is Professor Paul Merrill. Membership by audition.