Jazz at UW-Eau Claire

About the Jazz Ensembles

The Jazz Ensembles at UW–Eau Claire are a powerhouse in the music world, with Jazz Ensemble I earning the prestigious Down Beat “Best College Big Band” award seven times and receiving Grammy nominations on two occasions. With 18 critically acclaimed CD releases, Jazz I has built a legacy of excellence. The music department's curriculum strikes a perfect balance between developing strong classical foundations and offering an immersive Jazz educational experience. Serving over 100 dedicated students, the Jazz Area fosters a vibrant, dynamic environment where aspiring musicians can hone their craft and pursue professional careers in music.

Student Opportunities

Performances

The Jazz Area at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is dedicated to providing aspiring jazz musicians and educators with a top-tier education, equipping them for successful careers as professional jazz artists or educators. This is achieved through participation in both small and large instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles, studying jazz improvisation and arranging, learning recording techniques and sound engineering, exploring jazz styles and interpretation, attending masterclasses and concerts, and performing with internationally acclaimed jazz artists.

Below is an abbreviated list of headlining performances UW-Eau Claire Jazz ensembles have previously performed in:

• New York Brass Conference
• International Midwest Band Director's Conference
• MENC National Conference
• Illinois State Music Educators Conference
• Minnesota State Music Conference

Beyond its focus on excellence in jazz performance and education, the Jazz Area recognizes the need to prepare students for the evolving music industry and the increasing demand for musicians to be proactive in their careers and business ventures. Offering students opportunities to produce their own albums, seek employment during academic breaks, perform regularly in the Twin Cities, and host open jams and concerts within the community are just a few out of many opportunities students can actively shape their careers while in school. The Jazz Area is committed to ensuring students graduate with a strong sense of confidence and invaluable real-world experience, enabling them to approach their careers with both expertise and hands-on knowledge to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Summer and Winter Break Employment

It is strongly recommended that Jazz Area students seek employment involving training in their future profession during the school year and summer. Because of its reputation, UW-Eau Claire Jazz students have been extremely successful in attaining assistantships for post graduate work, summer jobs in professional performing and educational settings.

The following is an abbreviated list of summer positions held by students in the past while currently enrolled in UWEC:

• National Touring Broadway Shows
• International Cruise Ship Contracts
• DisneyLand All-American College Band
• DisneyWorld All-American Orchestra
• Broadway shows at the Orpheum, Ordway, Lyric Arts and Artistry theatre in the Twin Cities.
• Kids from Wisconsin
• ValleyFair Amusement Park stage band

Talk to Current Jazz Students

As director of the Jazz Area, it’s my goal to ensure all interested students can learn as much about our environment as possible. Below are three current students in differing career paths and interests, but all are a part of our Jazz family. I highly urge any and all of you to personally email these folks and “pick their brain” about what it truly is like to be in the Jazz Area. Send a quick intro and summary about yourself, and then ask all the questions you may have. We are here for you! - Mr. Robert Baca 

Auditions and Rehearsals

Ensemble Auditions

Jazz ensemble auditions take place on the second and third day of classes every semester. Audition materials can be obtained any time within the weeks leading up to a semester's audition dates by contacting Mr. Robert Baca.

Big Band Rehearsal Schedules

• Jazz Ensemble I, TR, 12:30-1:45 p.m. and F, 1-1:50 p.m.
• Jazz Ensemble II, MW, 12-12:50 p.m.
• Jazz Ensemble III, MW, 1-1:50 p.m.
• Jazz Ensemble IV, MW, 11-11:50 a.m.

UW-Eau Claire Jazz Area History

The Jazz Area at UW-Eau Claire was established in 1965 under the leadership of Joseph Casey. The Jazz Area gained further momentum under the direction of Dominic Spera (1968-1977) and Ron Keezer, whose efforts introduced formal coursework and led to the incorporation of several additional Jazz ensembles into the curriculum by the mid-1970s. In 1985, Dan Newman formed a Vocal Jazz group, further expanding the Area's reach. James Olcott and Henry Mautner also played significant roles in their tenures as directors of the Jazz Area, contributing to its growth and direction. Finally, in 1986, Robert Baca took over, leading it into a new era of success. Fueled by growing student interest, the Jazz Area has flourished, now featuring five large Jazz ensembles and dedicated Jazz combo instruction. Today, Jazz at UW-Eau Claire is thriving, with over 110 students enrolled in jazz-related courses each school year, a testament to its sustained popularity and engagement.