Photo courtesy of Jamie Perkins

The WashU Jazz Band is starting this year with a whole lot of new energy — and not just because of the music. When the band takes the stage at Pillsbury Theatre in the 560 Music Center on Oct. 15 for the Jazz Band Concert, listeners will hear a group surging with new talent; many first-year students are already holding their own in a band that usually takes years of experience to step into. This concert also kicks off the “WashU Jazz Series,” a season-long set of performances running through the fall and spring. While the series features guest artists, Cabaret nights, and smaller ensembles, the Jazz Band will be featured in key concerts, giving audiences a chance to follow their growth throughout the year.

Chris Becker, Director of the Jazz Band, explained that this year’s auditions brought an unusually strong first-year class into the mix.

“We had a lot of new players come in, and they were really good,” Becker said. “It’s not easy joining a group with upperclassmen who have been performing together for years. But these freshmen have stepped up in a way that has made the ensemble exciting to work with.”

That excitement will be on full display at the Jazz Band Concert. The band will perform everything from ballads to big band classics like Moten Swing — a nod to Kansas City’s jazz roots from the 1930s. Becker noted that the program is intentionally broad, designed to fit the personalities of the players and expose them to as many styles as possible. 

And this is only the beginning. The Jazz Band Concert kicks off a larger project from the Department of Music titled “Washu Jazz Series.” The series balances variety — Cabaret nights, jazz combos, and guest artists — with continuity, as the Jazz Band returns throughout the season to showcase its evolving sound. It’s a chance not just to hear jazz, but to watch the WashU Jazz Band grow across the season, even as the series also highlights guest artists, smaller ensembles, and experimental performances.

“Every jazz concert is a unique experience,” Becker said. “Because of the improvisation, because of the mood of the players, you never see the same show twice. And as the year goes on, you’re going to see these students develop even more.” 

The jazz series also opens doors for students who might not see themselves as part of the music world. Many assume that if they are not majoring in music  or haven’t played an instrument in years, there is no place for them in the department. But these concerts offer students a firsthand look at the many ways to get involved, whether through formal ensembles, smaller groups, or simply by supporting and learning from the performances happening on campus.

Becker hopes students across campus will use these events as a way to connect with the department and its opportunities. Students at WashU can stay involved in music through ensembles, lessons, and performances, all while pursuing any academic path. They don’t have to choose between academics and the arts. The jazz series reflects that spirit, giving the whole campus a chance to experience the creativity happening here — and, for some, a reason to join in.

“Jazz is about communication,” Becker said. “It’s about connecting with people in the moment. And these students … are only going to get better as the year goes on.”

That might be the best reason to keep coming back: watching the first-years who are just finding their voices now become standouts by spring. For students who have never been involved with the music department, this year’s series is a reminder that music at WashU is open to everyone. Whether you’re in the audience or on the stage, there are countless ways to experience and support the work happening here. 

So come to the concert at the 560 on Oct. 15 to hear what’s new. Then stop by performances of WashU Cabaret on Nov. 4, The Bridge 2.8 concert on Nov. 12, or the Jazz Combos on Nov. 18 – and come back next spring for even more. And by the end of the year, you’ll get to hear how much the band and the music has evolved along the way.