Jazz Ensembles

The Jazz Ensemble Program is directed by Artist-In-Residence Kris Allen , and features a large ensemble (Williams Jazz Orchestra) and several small jazz ensembles, providing numerous opportunities and a supportive community for students of this great Black American art form to grow and learn with and from one another. Ensembles are directed by Professor Allen or Artist Associates Zaccai Curtis and Gregg August and typically meet twice weekly throughout the semester, with each term culminating in a jazz festival performance featuring all ensembles as well as special guest artists. Recent guest artists who have come to perform for and work with jazz students include Benny Golson, Mark Turner, Wallace Roney, Helen Sung, Kenny Garrett, Lionel Loueke, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Tanya Darby, Sullivan Fortner, Chris Lightcap ’93 Carmen Staaf and Edmar Castaneda.

Performances

  • 5:38

    I Hope in Time A Change Will Come

    I Hope in Time A Change Will Come

    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
  • 8:37

    Roy Hargrove

    Roy Hargrove

    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
  • 3:30

    Say When, Williams Jazz Ensemble

    Say When, Williams Jazz Ensemble

    Say When – J.J. Johnson Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
    Say When – J.J. Johnson Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
  • 6:49

    Groove Merchant, Williams Jazz Ensemble,

    Groove Merchant, Williams Jazz Ensemble,

    Groove Merchant – Jerome Richardson, arr. Thad Jones Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
    Groove Merchant – Jerome Richardson, arr. Thad Jones Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
  • 8:41

    After the Morning, Williams Jazz Ensemble

    After the Morning, Williams Jazz Ensemble

    After the Morning – John Hicks, arr. David Gibson Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
    After the Morning – John Hicks, arr. David Gibson Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
  • 6:12

    Hear A Rhapsody

    Hear A Rhapsody

    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
  • 9:59

    Zhivago

    Zhivago

    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director
    Williams Jazz Ensemble Kris Allen, director