Jazz Ensembles

THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY JAZZ STUDIES PROGRAM FOSTERS A “REAL WORLD” ATMOSPHERE, PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS IN JAZZ. 

Through our Jazz Minor and BA in Jazz Studies curriculum and ensemble performance, students are provided the opportunity to improve individual musicianship, create a personal voice, learn from and be inspired by the rich history, understand the evolutionary process and modern trends of Jazz, while becoming musical leaders and positive contributors to the Kent State University experience.

Instrumental Ensemble Offerings

JAZZ ORCHESTRA

The Jazz Orchestra rehearses every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 - 6:55 p.m. in the Kent State Center for the Performing Arts in E112. Directed by Bobby Selvaggio. Membership is open to instrumentalists and solo vocalists. 

JAZZ WORKSHOP ENSEMBLE

The Jazz Workshop Ensemble rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 - 6:55 p.m. in the Kent State Center for the Performing Arts in E112. Directed by Chris Coles. Membership is open to instrumentalists and solo vocalists. 

Jazz Combos

Jazz Combos are coached by members of outstanding Jazz Studies faculty. Membership is open to instrumentalists and solo vocalists. 

How to Join 

Sign-up: Follow this link. 

The Audition (Instrumentalists)

• Prepare the appropriate music for your instrument (posted two weeks before the audition date)
• Play scales (depending on your jazz theory knowledge, you may be asked to play major, minor, diminished, or whole tone scales)
• Sight-read
• Option: Perform an improvisation.

The Audition (Vocalists)

• Prepare a standard of your choice for the audition.
• Play scales (depending on your jazz theory knowledge, you may be asked to play major, minor, diminished, or whole tone scales)
• Sight-read
• Option: Perform an improvisation.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT:

Bobby Selvaggio 
Director of Jazz Studies
Jazz Orchestra 
rselvagg@kent.edu

Chris Coles
Saxophone and Combos
Jazz Workshop Ensemble
ccoles1@kent.edu

Vocal Ensemble Offerings

Nova Jazz Singers

The Nova Jazz Singers was founded in 2012 by Dr. Christopher J. Venesile, Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, to bring the disciplines of advanced choral singing and the language of jazz together. 

Nova Jazz Workshop Singers

This ensemble was founded in the fall 2019 semester to support Kent State's growing vocal jazz program as well as the music education program. It is directed by Maria Jacobs-Schaber. 

Learn more about Nova Jazz Singers here.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT:

Chris Venesile
Nova Jazz Singers
cvenesil@kent.edu

Maria Jacobs-Schaber
Nova Jazz Workshop Singers
mjacob14@kent.edu