School of Music

"Nothing conjures up the vision of 1920s America more than the swinging music of BYU's Dixieland band Jazz Legacy. As guest performer at international jazz festivals, Jazz Legacy has earned an international reputation quality peformance -- while its repertoire of Dixieland standards and their fast-paced stage show has won it a name for entertainment at schools, conventions, and civic concerts. Featuring clarinet, trombone, trumpet, piano, banjo, drums, and bass, Jazz Legacy brings back the memories of a bygone era."

The jazz program at BYU embraces the full spectrum of this unique American musical idiom. From academic studies to world-wide touring oppportunities, students have extraordinary opportunities to learn their craft.

Synthesis

Ray Smith, Director

BYU's Premier Big Band tours internationally every two years and domestically on the off years. They perform annually at national and international jazz festivals. They have also performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators Annual Conference many times. These professional-caliber musicians perform several times each year on campus. 

Jazz Ensemble

Mark Ammons, Director

BYU's Synthesis-in-training group performs locally and regionally and provides a tremendous training situation for up and coming jazz musicians. They also perform on-campus several times a year.

Jazz Lab Band

Daniel Henderson, Director

BYU's evening band is for serious musicians with less time available in their schedules. They perform on-campus twice each year.

Q'd Up

The Faculty Jazz Quintet has produced three cds thus far and has performed throughout the region. Members include: Ray Smith, woodwinds; Steve Lindeman, piano; Matt Larson, bass; Jay Lawrence, vibes and drums; Ron Brough, drums and auxiliary percussion.

Jazz Legacy Dixieland Band

Steve Call, Director

The Dixieland-style showcase ensemble has performed throughout the US at festivals and conferences.

Salsa Combo

Jay Lawrence, Director

This group performs the exciting Latin style in numerous venues throughout the local and regional area. 

5 Traditional Jazz Combo

Jay Lawrence, Coordinator

These groups perform in a traditional 'casual' format in the community and on-campus.

Jazz Voices

Kelly Eisenhour, Director

This group of select voices performs professional caliber vocal jazz literature with a strong emphasis on improvisation. They have performed to great acclaim at national and international festivals.

Vocal Point

James Stevens, Director

Nine extraordinary male voices blending together in original a cappella charts. This group performs nationally and internationally and has received exceptional acclaim.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Kelly Eisenhour, Director

This ensemble provides outstanding experience to a group of 20 auditioned vocalists in the intricacies of the vocal jazz idiom.