Hofstra Jazz Ensembles
The Hofstra Jazz Ensemble is a traditional Jazz big band that specializes in the music of Jazz masters such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones and Charlie Parker. Past performances have included guest artists such as Byron Stripling, Ken Peplowski, Marion McPartland and Randy Brecker. The band performs regularly on campus while maintaining an active off-campus performing schedule. Rehearsals are scheduled for Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Rm. 020, New Academic Building.
Other Jazz Ensembles include the Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Paula Berardinelli, Guitar Jazz Ensemble directed by Professor Rick Stone and student-run groups such as the Little Big Band (nonet) and several chamber Jazz groups. These ensembles specialize in a diverse Jazz repertoire and perform at many on-campus functions, including an annual concert.
All auditions for these ensembles take place during the first week of the fall semester. A sign-up sheet can be found on the door of Rm. 104, New Academic Building. Any auditions after the scheduled dates can be arranged with Dr. Lalama. All students will be required to perform 2 prepared Jazz pieces in different rhythmic styles (swing, straight-eighth, slow, fast), sight reading, basic improvisation and scales/modes.
If any student would like to perform in a Jazz ensemble but is inexperienced in the style, he/she can register for Music 20 and join the Jazz 20 Ensemble (no audition required) that focuses on the basics of Jazz ensemble playing and improvisation. This ensemble meets 2:55 to 4:20 p.m. in Rm. 020, New Academic Building, every Friday that there is no required Music 20 meeting.
