JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Explore a range of jazz styles—from classic swing to experimental sounds!
The Moores School jazz ensembles present diverse programs of music that range from the classic swing music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Thad Jones to the alternative, experimental music of Radiohead. In addition to regular concerts in the outstanding Moores Opera House, the ensembles also host the Moores School Jazz Festival every February. Through this festival, the ensembles have performed with such world-class jazz musicians as Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, Brian Lynch, Randy Brecker, Conrad Herwig, and Andy Martin.
Auditions for jazz ensembles are held at the beginning of each the fall and spring semesters for placement into one of the ensembles. Each ensemble has positions for five saxophonists, five trumpeters, five trombonists, two drummers, one to two bassists, one to two guitarists, and one to two pianists. Vocalists are also welcome to audition.
Under the leadership of Professor Noe Marmolejo, Jazz Orchestra is the premier big band at MSM. In addition to performing two concerts each semester at MSM, the band regularly appears off campus for music festivals, community outreach, and events with such Houston performance organizations as DaCamera and Miller Outdoor Theater.
Jazz Ensemble focuses on the development of younger or less experienced players, with a more pedagogical approach to rehearsals. Jazz Ensemble performs two concerts each semester at MSM. Covering many styles of jazz and commercial music genres, students gain insight into jazz performance while soloists begin to further explore jazz improvisation.
Beginning in 1999 and held each spring, the MSM Jazz Festival features an internationally recognized jazz artist each year, presenting clinics and performing with the MSM Jazz Orchestra. Featured guest artists have included The Count Basie Orchestra, saxophonist Michael Brecker, and trumpeter Wayne Bergeron. This event is oriented toward junior high and high school jazz ensembles, who have the opportunity to perform for and be mentored by a panel of professional jazz musicians.
To learn more about and apply for the Texas Music Festival Jazz Institute, please visit the Texas Music Festival page.
Noe Marmolejo, Director of Jazz Studies