Jazz Ensembles & Combos
UWM’s jazz ensembles provide a great opportunity to explore and connect with students, musicians, and the community. In addition to several performance opportunities on and off-campus, students participate in outreach events with middle and high school jazz performers through youth programs and jazz festivals.
For more information, please contact Professor Dave Bayles at bayles@uwm.edu.
At A Glance
| Ensemble | Members | Audition |
|---|---|---|
| UWM Jazz Ensemble | Open to all UWM students | YES *placement audition |
| Combos | Open to all UWM students | YES *placement audition |
UWM Jazz Ensemble
Our Jazz Ensemble has a unique and collaborative affiliation with the local urban jazz community. This ensemble is made up of undergraduate and graduate music majors, as well as non-Music students who possess significant artistry.
Auditions & Membership
Open to all UWM students after a placement audition. Please submit the ensemble interest form and you’ll be contacted with information regarding current auditions and membership.
Combos
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Orchestra
The UWM Afro-Caribbean Jazz Orchestra was formed in the Fall of 2021 to focus on Afro–Caribbean jazz influenced music.
The group features a Latin percussion section, horns and vocalists. This group performs music of composers such as Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Sonoro Poncena and Evan Linns and more.
Jazz Standards Combo
The focus of this combo is learning jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. Students learn how to memorize melodies and chord changes while developing skills in jazz phrasing, rhythmic interpretation, and overall stylistic feel. They also become familiar with common jazz forms, including the 12-bar blues and AABA song form. Through studying and performing these timeless works, students build a strong foundation in the jazz tradition.
Jazz Repertoire Combo
The Jazz Repertoire Combo focuses on small-group performance and ensemble interaction. Students study and perform a wide range of jazz styles, from Early Jazz and Swing to Bebop, West Coast Jazz, Post-Bop, Avant-Garde, and contemporary jazz. Emphasis is placed on listening, improvisation, stylistic authenticity, and collaborative musicianship while exploring the evolution of jazz through its diverse repertoire.
Auditions & Membership
Open to all UWM students after a placement audition. Please submit the ensemble interest form and you’ll be contacted with information regarding current auditions and membership.
Music Programs
Music studios and ensembles are connected to a variety of academic programs, including majors, minors, certificates and graduate programs. This is a full list of programs offered by the Department of Music.
Faculty & Directors
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Music faculty and staff please click the button below.
Undergraduate Entrance Auditions
Music BA/BFA enrollment for Spring & Fall 2027.
• Friday, December 4, 2026
• Friday, February 12, 2027
• Monday, February 15, 2027 (voice only)
• Friday, March 5, 2027
• Friday, March 12, 2027 (voice only)
• Friday, April 2, 2027
• Or by video submission
Graduate Applications
Fall: March 1 | Spring: December 1
Applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may not be processed in time for the intended semester.
Undergraduate Programs
Scotlyn Haverkorn, music-admission@uwm.edu
Graduate Programs
Tim Noonan, music-grad-admission@uwm.edu
General Info & Questions
Contact Form | 414-229-4763