TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY Nationally Ranked, Affordable, Personal
Music

Jazz

Truman State University offers a comprehensive jazz studies program that is rarely found at schools of comparable size. Students of all levels and abilities are invited to participate in one or more of the many classes offered as part of the jazz curriculum. We cater to students throughout the university, not just music majors. Jazz opportunities at Truman currently include:

JAZZ Ensemble - The Jazz Ensemble is the cornerstone of the jazz program. This 16 to 18 piece group performs numerous concerts on and off campus and has been featured with such jazz luminaries as Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis, Bill Watrous, Randy Brecker, John Abercrombie, Joey Sellers, Dick Oatts, Matt Wilson's Arts and Crafts Quartet, and Clark Terry. In addition, the group tours both nationally and internationally.  Some of the ensemble's recent repertoire includes: Duke Ellington's Far East Suite; Thad Jones' "Second Race," "Low Down," and "Fingers"; Maria Schneider's "Green Piece" and "Gumba Blue"; Joey Sellers' "Ximeno, 735"; Benny Carter's "Miss Missouri" and "Vine Street Rumble"; and Bob Brookmeyer's "ABC Blues" and "Willow Weep for Me."

 JAZZ Lab Band - The Lab Band, also made up of 16 to 18 musicians, provides its members many performance opportunities throughout the school year and is spotlighted with each of the guest artists featured on campus.

JAZZ Combos - The jazz combo experience offers students a chance to further sharpen their improvisation and performance skills. Combos are made up of 5 to 6 members and perform throughout each school year.

JAZZ Improvisation - This class is offered for beginning and intermediate jazz soloists and covers jazz harmony, scale/chord relationships, common harmonic progressions, and transcription. More experienced players can study improvisation in private lessons.

JAZZ Pedagogy - This class provides music education majors with the methods and materials needed to successfully teach in a middle school or high school jazz curriculum. Students are given instruction and hands-on experience in the various aspects of a comprehensive jazz program as well as resources for continued study in the future.

JAZZ and the American Experience - Open to students of all majors, this class examines all of the periods and styles of jazz from its infancy to present-day forms, as well as its relationship to American culture.


 

Recommended Links

Truman JAZZ Alumni

These Truman alumni are currently working as professional jazz performers and/or educators:
  • Jo Ann Daugherty, Chicago, IL
  • Bill McKemy, Kansas City, MO
  • Ken Kehner, Jefferson City, MO
  • Bob Long, St. Joseph, MO
  • Mike Metheny, Kansas City, MO
  • Dave Kobberdahl, Des Moines, IA
  • Wayne Page, Des Moines, IA
 

Questions About Jazz at Truman State University?

Contact:  Professor Tim Aubuchon
               Assistant Professor of Music / Director of Jazz Studies
               (660) 785-4412
               aubuchon@truman.edu