Jazz Program

Jazz Program
Audition Information
Students should demonstrate competence in performance on a musical instrument or in voice. Refer to schedule and ensemble contacts list
Rehearsal Schedule
Jazz Ensemble: Monday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Jazz Combos: Tuesday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.


The performance aspect of the Duke Jazz Program, directed by John Brown, includes the Duke Jazz Ensemble and the Duke Jazz Combos. Evan Roberson is Associate Director of the Duke Jazz Ensemble.

The Duke Jazz Ensemble is comprised of some twenty musicians presenting a full schedule of concerts each year, in which they are joined by guest artists who have included jazz greats Louie Bellson, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Ellis Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, T.S. Monk, and Branford Marsalis.

Duke Jazz Combos give musicians the opportunity to work in smaller groups and perform in more informal settings.

Students may participate in either the Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Combos, or both.

Jazz Program Videos

Photo Gallery

John Brown's K-12 school visits in western NC

John Brown, Director of the Duke Jazz Program, takes the John Brown Big Band and the John Brown "Little" Big Band into North Carolina's public schools, introducing some of the students to their first live concert experience. They performed at six schools in western North Carolina (Cherokee, Cullowhee, Spruce Pine and Bakersville) during a week-long tour earlier this year. (Photo Credit: John Brown)