The SRU Jazz Ensemble I , directed by Stephen Hawk, is one of two big bands in the Department of Music. The Jazz Ensemble is comprised of student musicians who are chosen by audition. The SRU Jazz Ensemble has performed at jazz festivals, high schools, colleges and concert halls in the United States, Canada, Asia, and most recently France and Italy. The SRU Jazz Ensemble has performed concerts with many jazz legends including: Randy Brecker, Rufus Reid, Kenny Burrell, Paquito D’Rivera, Slide Hampton, John Scofield, David Liebman, Claudio Roditi, Stanley Turrentine, Jim Snidero, Ron McCroby and the New York Voices. The Jazz Ensemble has also brought many soloists/clinicians to the SRU campus including Johnny Griffin, The Billy Taylor Trio, J.J. Johnson, Tony Williams, Betty Carter, Tana/Ried, The Brubeck Brothers and Diva.

In recent history the ensemble was selected to perform at the University of Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival and was proud to receive nine “outstanding soloist” citations from this prestigious collegiate festival. In September, 2000, the SRU Jazz Ensemble released its first CD entitled, “Jazz at The Rock,” and in May, 2002 recorded its second CD, entitled, “Back to the States,” commemorating the return from their European Tour of France and Italy. The Jazz Ensemble will record their third CD in May, 2004. The Third Annual SRU Jazz Festival, with special guest artist Bob Mintzer, will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 30 and May 1, 2004. For information regarding the jazz program at SRU, please contact Mr. Hawk at stephen.hawk@sru.edu or call at 724-738-2444.

Jazz Ensemble II, directed by David Glover, is also an auditioned group. The ensemble is made up of music majors and non-majors that have an interest in big band jazz performance and jazz improvisation. The group rehearses once a week and performs one concert a semester.