Jazz Ensemble
The CSUSB jazz ensemble is made up of undergraduate students representing such diverse majors as Music, Liberal Arts, Education, Business, and English. The ensemble rehearses weekly and performs extensively in the Inland Empire.
This high-energy ensemble prides itself on performing various jazz styles including swing, funk, Latin, as well as ballads. The ensemble is currently under the direction of Dr. Bob Knop.
Performances have included appearances at various regional jazz festivals including the Western States Jazz Festival, Reno Jazz Festival, and the Oceanside Jazz Festival. On-campus performances include an annual 'Swing Nite' and 'Latin Nite' at the Santos Manuel Student Union.
The ensemble performs annually as part of the CSUSB JAZZFEST held the first weekend in May. Past JAZZFEST guest artists have included: Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Alan Pasqua, Darek Oles, Manhattan Transfer, Poncho Sanchez, Bobby Rodriguez, Oscar Hernandez, Justo Almario, Daniel Lozano, Ramon Banda, Rene Camacho, Joey de Leon, Jose Rizo, and 'Mongorama'.
The CSUSB Jazz Ensemble is a mainstay on campus as well performing at numerous social and official functions. The ensemble is always open to musicians regardless of their major. Anyone interested in performing with the CSUSB Jazz Ensemble or Vocal Jazz Ensemble should contact Dr. Bob Knop (909) 537-5463; email: rknop@csusb.edu.
Jazz Ensemble meets MWF 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM