David L. Walters Department of Music

Dr. Andy Nevala, Director

The Award-Winning Jacksonville State University Jazz Ensembles provide students with the opportunity to develop skills associated with performance in the jazz idiom while performing a wide variety of contemporary and traditional jazz styles. The Jazz Ensembles are open to all JSU students, music and non-majors alike, and placement auditions are held the day before classes begin every semester.  Basic concepts that lead to creativity and self-expression in jazz are learned by participating in Jazz Ensembles, and the improvisatory elements in jazz performance offer an important and unique opportunity for all students to develop their creative process.

Jazz Ensemble I is the Jazz Program's premier performing group. The eighteen member ensemble is selected by audition and open to any student at JSU, regardless of major. The rigorous performing schedule includes several campus and community concerts each semester in addition to performances around the Southeastern Region. Jazz Ensemble I was also a 2015 and 2023 Downbeat Award Winner for “Outstanding Jazz Ensemble.”

Our four Jazz Ensembles are directed by music faculty and perform at Campus functions several times a year. Auditions for Jazz Ensembles are held the first Monday and Tuesday of each semester.

For more information, contact Dr. Andy Nevala at anevala@jsu.edu.