The TU Jazz Ensembles are recognized as among the region’s best. Many styles of jazz literature are explored and performed by combos, big bands, jazz vocalists, and jazz guitar ensembles. Auditions are held the first week of the fall semester with ensemble placement based on audition results. The jazz groups perform regionally as well as on campus.
Each year, the jazz program brings prominent professional jazz artists to campus to record, tour, and perform with the student ensembles. Recent guest artists have included trumpeters Walter White and Byron Stripling, saxophonists Bobby Watson and Tim Ries, trombonist Conrad Herwig, and bassist, composer, and bass trombonist Chris Brubeck.