About
The University of Waterloo Jazz Ensemble is made up of a hearty mix of music majors and students from all other faculties and features both traditional and non-traditional jazz instruments in the ensemble.
Acceptance is by audition and at the discretion of the director. The audition will assess musical gifts and technical skills, as a basis for membership.
Non-student singers (faculty, staff, community members) may also inquire about auditions, but preference will be given to current University of Waterloo students.
Director
Congratulations! You are now taking the first step to performing with the Jazz Ensemble in person here at Conrad Grebel University College. I am looking forward again this term to meeting you and sharing the music of the jazz greats. Below are just a couple of things you should know to get the most out of our time together. - Michael
Rehearsals
Days: Mondays
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Note: members are expected on site to help set up chairs and stands, as well as warm up, by 6:45 pm)
Location: Great Hall (CGUC Rm. 1111), Conrad Grebel University College
Please note there are no rehearsals on holiday Mondays.
Key dates for involvement
First Rehearsal: Typically the first Monday of the second week of classes
Term End Concert Dress Rehearsal: TBC
Term End Concert: Sunday, December 6th, 2:00pm, Great Hall (CGUC Rm. 1111) Conrad Grebel University College
Key dates for Winter Term coming soon!
Audition dates
All new applicants must audition.
Normally, Jazz Ensemble members continuing from term to term will be reconsidered, but do not need to re-audition.
Location: Great Hall (CGUC Rm. 1111), Conrad Grebel University College
Winter Term audition info coming soon!
Returning members
Every term, returning Jazz Ensemble members must:
- Fill out a Participant Form (see below)
- Indicate (via email to Michael) your interest in returning
- Show up to the first rehearsal
- Register for credit OR pay the Ensemble Fee, as applicable
Audition repertoire
Auditions are approximately 15 minutes long.
In order to prepare:
- Practice five minutes of music from any musical style (jazz, classical, etc.)
- Your selection can take the format of music from your high school concert band, jazz combo or big band ensemble
- It does not need to be a formal solo but rather a contrast of something brighter in tempo and something laid back.
- The Director will try to get a sense of your intonation and dexterity on the instrument, as well as ask about your jazz background.
Notes on placement:
There are no first chair players in this ensemble and never have been. We are all striving for the very best and everyone should have an opportunity to play lead horn and/or solo.
Steps to join
-
Fill out the Participant Form (see following).
-
Register on Quest if you'd like to receive credit (see following for full sequence details).
-
Prepare & show up for your audition.
-
If accepted, come to the first rehearsal. If not accepted, try again next term!
Participant form
All new ensemble applicants and returning ensemble members must fill out this form to participate every term. Winter 2026 coming soon.
Register for credit
Ensemble credit = 0.25 units. Add to normal course load or ask your advisor for a permission code to override your course limit.
Credit sequence details
Credits are accrued in sequence. If it is your first time participating in an ensemble, register for Music 116 and continue incrementally up the sequence for each new term or additional ensemble.
Important: it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate.
Course requirements
1. Engaged participation and attendance at weekly rehearsals (see Attendance Policy, below).
2. Individual preparation, as assigned, for rehearsals. Jazz Ensemble members are responsible for learning assigned materials on their own and must be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in small groups or individually from time to time.
3. Participation in all Jazz Ensemble concerts and additional rehearsals, as needed.
4. Care and safe handling of loaned sheet music. Mark with pencil only. You will be charged full replacement cost for any music defaced or not returned immediately after the final concert. If the music is not available for purchase, the charge will be $30 per part.
Participation fees for extracurricular members
Students participating as an extracurricular: $30
Non-students: $60
Once accepted into the Jazz Ensemble, please make your payments via our online portal below.
Note: Students participating in the Jazz Ensemble for credit do not need to pay a fee.
Attendance policy
For details about your expected attendance and for mandatory steps to follow in case of an absence, please review the following guidelines.
- Playing in the band is a commitment to each other.
- Regular, punctual attendance is the first and most basic part of commitment.
- Absence due to severe illness and family emergencies or mid terms is to be expected, but you must contact Michael Wood in advance.
- Missing more than two rehearsals will jeopardize your receiving credit for the course. It also impacts the quality of the performance.
- You must also commit to playing in the end of term concert.
Awards
The Woodwind Award
This fund is intended to encourage students who play woodwind instruments to participate in our Music Studio program. Jazz Ensemble members who are seeking one-on-one instrument instruction are encouraged to apply.
Watch & listen
Professional development
Great musicians are also music fans. Go to any concert, and you'll find musicians in the crowd: supporting their friends, checking out the competition or just excited to hear music. Keep this in mind and plan to listen to concerts this semester. The Music Department runs a series of free noon hour concerts in the Fall & Winter terms, as well as other Ensemble concerts every term.
