KSU Jazz Orchestra (Photo Credit: Mason Smith)

Jazz Ensembles

The Kent State Jazz Studies Program fosters a "real world" atmosphere, promoting the development of fundamental skills in instrumental and vocal Jazz.

Through our Jazz Minor and B.A. 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 and Solo Vocal 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.  
  • 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. 

QUESTIONS?

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

Vocal Ensemble Offerings

Nova Jazz Singers

The Nova Jazz Singers was founded in 2012 by Dr. Christopher J. Venesile, now-retired Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, to bring the disciplines of advanced choral singing and the language of jazz together. The ensemble is now directed by Samir Al-Hadid

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.

Questions?

Samir Al-Hadid
Nova Jazz Singers
salhadid@kent.edu

Maria Jacobs
Nova Jazz Workshop Singers
mjacob14@kent.edu

 

Audition and Membership Information

Instrumental Jazz Ensembles

Instrumental Jazz Ensembles at Kent State

  • Jazz Orchestra
  • Jazz Workshop Ensembles
  • Jazz Combos

Audition Location

  • In-person location: E109 (Bobby's Office)

Audition Requirements

Audition Sign-ups

Questions or Need More Info?

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

Nova Jazz Singers

What's the Audition Like?

  1. Vocal range assessment
  2. Sight singing
  3. Pitch matching 
  4. A prepared solo of your choice (any contemporary genre)* 
  5. A 24 Hour Piece (PDF and audition sheet will be sent via kent.edu email)

*If you would like piano accompaniment, please bring music with chord symbols in the appropriate key.

Audition Dates

  • Thur. Dec. 5, 4-8 p.m.
  • Nova Jazz Singers Auditions will be held in room D106, Center for Performing Arts.
  • If you have a conflict with all available audition times for Nova Jazz Singers, then please contact Sam Al-Hadid (salhadid@kent.edu). 

Audition Sign-up

Sign Up for an Audition Time

Solo Vocal Jazz

Solo jazz vocalists can audition to join several Ensembles Kent State

  • Jazz Orchestra
  • Jazz Workshop Ensembles
  • Jazz Combos

Audition Dates

  • Audition dates will be posted as they become available. 

Audition Requirements

  • Song of your choice from the Great American Songbook.

Audition Sign-ups

  • Audition sign-ups will be posted as they become available. 

Questions or Need More Info?

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

 

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