The Jazz Program

Jazz Bands

Notre Dame is proud to offer two jazz ensembles and a jazz combo. Jazz Band I rehearses Monday nights at 7:15 p.m. Jazz Band II rehearses Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. during the Fall semester and Wednesday nights at 7:15 p.m. during the Spring semester.

Notre Dame has long promoted jazz at the university level through its Collegiate Jazz Festival. Begun in 1959 it is the oldest jazz festival for college musicians in the nation. Over the years many of the biggest names in jazz have been on campus as adjudicators including: Stan Kenton, Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, Conte Candoli, Bill Watrous, Ray Brown, Wynton Marsalis, and many, many others. Jazz concerts are held throughout the year on campus and in the community.

Jazz Band auditions will be held on Sunday, August 30th. Please stop by the Band Building when you arrive on campus to pick up music and sign up for an audition time. If you have any questions please contact Larry Dwyer.

New Orleans Brass Band

As part of the jazz program, Notre Dame also offers the New Orleans Brass Band. The Brass Band rehearses once a week during both the fall and spring semesters. The group plays music in the style of traditional New Orleans Brass Bands including brass band standards, current popular music, original compositions and arrangements. Students in the group get a unique opportunity to play at different venues on campus and build their improvisation skills. Enrollment in the New Orleans Brass Band is by instructor permission. Contact Matt Merten for more information.