Get that big band feeling: you’ll do that here.
When you join Southeast's jazz program, you'll bring the full spirit of jazz to life, from its roots to its global evolution. With two ensembles - Studio Jazz and the Jazz Lab Band - you'll find exciting opportunities whether you're an experienced improviser or just starting your jazz journey.
Studio Jazz Ensemble
The Studio Jazz Ensemble is Southeast's premier jazz group where you'll perform at major university and community events. To join Studio Jazz, you should have previous experience in jazz, saxophonists need woodwind doubling skills, and all musicians should have a strong foundation in solo performance.
Jazz Lab Band
The Jazz Lab Band welcomes you if you want to develop your big band and improvisation skills. You'll find a welcoming space to explore style, technique, and creativity. No improvisation experience is required!
Beyond rehearsals, you'll perform at open mic nights at Spectrum Record Lounge, travel to jazz-rich cities like New Orleans, St. Louis, and Chicago, and help host the annual Clark Terry Jazz Festival. You'll be part of this Southeast tradition that honors the legacy and future of jazz from around the world.
Jazz Band Auditions
Auditions for membership in the Jazz Studio will take place the Sunday before the first day of the fall semester classes.
Learning Opportunities
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Clark Terry Jazz Festival
The Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival showcases excellent student musicians and guest artists from around the nation, all contributing to a vibrant festival of jazz and the celebration of music performance and education.
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Holiday Jukebox
The Holiday JukeBox Concert is a collaboration featuring festive music and students' talents in the Departments of Music and the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre & Dance. It's sponsored by Saint Francis Healthcare System.
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Jam Sessions
We will continue our monthly Jam Session Night at Spectrum Record Lounge and start our new Underground Jazz Series at Scout Hall. Our SEMO Gigging Project is growing, and we will collaborate with several businesses in town.
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Guest Artists
In addition to one national featured artist during The Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival, we also have masterclasses with jazz and commercial musicians throughout our academy year.
Jazz Band Calendar
Throughout each academic year, The Southeast Jazz Ensembles present eight (8) performances that are sure to take you on a musical journey. This includes Fall and Spring Jazz Series Concerts, Big Band Christmas Jukebox, The Annual Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival & Gala Concert, and Celebrate the Arts.
Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz
The Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival showcases excellent student musicians and guest artists from around the nation, all contributing to a vibrant festival of jazz and the celebration of music performance and education.
Our Community by the Numbers
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30+
Students Taking Jazz Studies Classes
In addition to one national featured artist during The Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival, we also have masterclasses with jazz and commercial musicians throughout our academy year.
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7+
Classes Offered
In addition to one national featured artist during The Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival, we also have masterclasses with jazz and commercial musicians throughout our academy year.
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5+
Performances Yearly
In addition to one national featured artist during The Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival, we also have masterclasses with jazz and commercial musicians throughout our academy year.
"I am so excited for this upcoming season! It is an honor to be the new Jazz Director at SEMO! Our Jazz Studies Minor Program gives you a great experience in jazz band, history, theory, harmony, improvisation, combo classes, and guest artists. I want to invite all music majors and non-majors to participate in the audition process for the jazz ensemble. In addition, I would like to invite your friends and family to support us during concerts and fundraising events."
Dr. Felipe Brito
Jazz Band
Southeast Department of Music Ensembles
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701