Millersville University Jazz Band 2012-2013

Dr. Keith Wiley - Director

Alex J. Goodman - Student Director

The MU JAZZ ENSEMBLE is comprised of 18-20 players based on a "big band" instrumentation.  Members are chosen by audition each fall.. The MUJE performs a wide range of music including classic swing, jazz standards, and contemporary fusion styles.  Guest artists, who appear regularly with the band have included Byron Stripling, Ernie Watts, John Fedchock, Larry McWilliams, Ronald Carter, Sharrie Maricle, Chris Vadala, Dan Tepfer, and Paul Haar.   

Maintaining an active performance schedule, the MUJE has appeared on concerts sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz, the Villanova University Jazz Festival, and the Les Brown Jazz Festival.  In February 2013, the MUJE will host Jazz Fest De ‘Ville, which is a non-competitive invitational workshop for high school and middle school jazz bands.  The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Sextet performed at the Crescent City Jazz Festival in New Orleans in March 2012.

The MU JAZZ LAB BAND is an ensemble of flexible instrumentation (woodwinds, brasses, strings,  piano, bass, drums, guitar) that accom-modates a wide range of student experience levels. No previous jazz experience is required.   Less experienced musicians develop reading and interpretation skills while more advanced players are given considerable opportunity to further develop their improvisational abilities.  Varied  opportunities for performance are available.

Academic credit (.5 per semester)  is available for participation in both Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band.