NYU Jazz Ensembles are a credited class that students register for. Please refer to the course catalog for more information regarding registration for these courses. Jazz Ensemble auditions are generally held at the beginning of each Fall semester. Students may elect to keep their ensemble seats into each Spring semester. Non-jazz majors may inquire about potential available seats for Spring semesters by emailing mpap.jazz@nyu.edu.
NYU Jazz Orchestra (NYUJO)
This group is the flagship ensemble of the NYU Jazz Studies Department and presents public concerts throughout the year. It is dedicated to performing new works by faculty and students. A high level of sight reading, ensemble playing and doubling (for saxes) is required.
Three-time GRAMMY-nominated trombonist-composer-arranger Alan Ferber has been called “one of the jazz world’s premier composers and arrangers for larger groups” by All About Jazz NY. Jazz Times magazine describes Ferber’s compositions as “inspired and meticulous” and the L.A. Weekly deems him “one of the premier modern jazz arrangers of our time.” For the last seven years, he has been recognized as one of the leading trombonists of his generation in DownBeat magazine’s International Critics’ Poll and Readers’ Poll. Ferber was the recipient of a 2013 New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America, funded by the Doris Duke Foundation. Since 2011, he has been an Adjunct Professor of jazz studies at New York University’s Steinhardt School.
All-University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO)
This 15 piece jazz ensemble plays classic big band repertoire from Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Thad Jones and today’s contemporary big band composers.
Directed by trombonist, composer, and music educator Dion Tucker whose professional experience includes touring with the rock band Matchbox 20, lead trombonist with The Duke Ellington Orchestra, and a member of The Harry Connick, Jr. Big Band. As an educator, Dion has taught over 20 years in New York City public schools through the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People program. He is currently the Director of the New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz program.
Who Can Register
- MPAJZ-UE 1089
- MPAJZ-GE 2088
NYUJO: open by audition to Jazz Studies students.
AUJO: open by audition to all students across the University who play alto, tenor, or
baritone saxophone, trombone, bass trombone, trumpet, guitar, piano, bass, or drums.
Audition Information
NYUJO: The NYUJO will not run in Fall 2024, but will run in Spring 2025. Please return here around mid-October for audition information.
AUJO: Register to audition.
*The All-University Jazz Orchestra audition will be held on Tuesday, September 3 from 7:00-9:00 pm in Room C207, 3rd North Steinhardt Facility (75 3rd Ave).
Course Meeting Time
NYUJO: Weekly rehearsals are held live on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-4:45 pm, 75 Third Ave, room C207.
AUJO: Weekly rehearsals are held live on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm, 75
Third Ave, room C207.
Performances and Concerts
NYUJO: The ensemble performs at least one concert each semester, occasionally at legendary venues like the Blue Note and Dizzy’s Club.
AUJO: The ensemble performs at least one concert each semester.
Contact Information
Ian McLeod, Program Administrator, Jazz Studies: mpap.jazz@nyu.edu