91²Ö¿â

KSU Jazz Orchestra (Photo Credit: Mason Smith)

Jazz Ensembles

The 91²Ö¿â Jazz Studies Program fosters a "real world" atmosphere, promoting the development of fundamental skills in instrumental and vocal Jazz.

Through our Jazz Minor and B.A. in Jazz Studies curriculum and ensemble performance, students are provided the opportunity to improve individual musicianship, create a personal voice, learn from and be inspired by the rich history, understand the evolutionary process and modern trends of Jazz, while becoming musical leaders and positive contributors to the 91²Ö¿â experience.

Instrumental Ensemble and Solo Vocal Offerings

Jazz Orchestra

  • The Jazz Orchestra rehearses every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 - 6:55 p.m. in the 91²Ö¿â Center for the Performing Arts in E112. Directed by Bobby Selvaggio.
  • Membership is open to instrumentalists and solo vocalists. 

Jazz Workshop Ensemble

  • The Jazz Workshop Ensemble rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 - 6:55 p.m. in the 91²Ö¿â Center for the Performing Arts in E112.  
  • Membership is open to instrumentalists and solo vocalists. 

Jazz Combos

  • Jazz Combos are coached by members of outstanding Jazz Studies faculty. 
  • Membership is open to instrumentalists and solo vocalists. 

QUESTIONS?

Bobby Selvaggio 
Director of Jazz Studies
Jazz Orchestra 
rselvagg@kent.edu

Vocal Ensemble Offerings

Nova Jazz Singers

The Nova Jazz Singers was founded in 2012 by Dr. Christopher J. Venesile, now-retired Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, to bring the disciplines of advanced choral singing and the language of jazz together. The ensemble is now directed by Samir Al-Hadid

Nova Jazz Workshop Singers

This ensemble was founded in the fall 2019 semester to support 91²Ö¿â's growing vocal jazz program as well as the music education program. It is directed by Maria Jacobs.

Questions?

Samir Al-Hadid
Nova Jazz Singers
salhadid@kent.edu

Maria Jacobs
Nova Jazz Workshop Singers
mjacob14@kent.edu

 

Audition and Membership Information

Instrumental Jazz Ensembles

Instrumental Jazz Ensembles at 91²Ö¿â

  • Jazz Orchestra
  • Jazz Workshop Ensembles
  • Jazz Combos

Audition Location

  • In-person location: E109 (Bobby's Office)

Audition Requirements

  • Please take the part that corresponds to what you want to play.

Audition Sign-ups

  • Auditions will be held August 21 and 22, 2024.

Questions or Need More Info?

Contact
Bobby Selvaggio
Director of Jazz Studies
rselvagg@kent.edu

Nova Jazz Singers

What's the Audition Like?

  1. Warm-ups to assess your vocal range.
  2. Pitch matching exercises.
  3. Sight-singing exercises.
  4. A prepared solo of your choice (either a capella or accompanied), preferably a jazz standard. 
  5. A musical excerpt that should be picked up 24 hours prior to the scheduled audition time.
    • You should learn the voice part they believe best suits your voice
    • Sheet music may be used during the audition. 
    • You will receive instructions after you sign up for your audition.

Audition Dates

  • Friday, August 16 from 4-7p.m., and Saturday, August 17 from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Nova Jazz Singers Auditions will be held in room D106, Center for Performing Arts.
  • If you have a conflict with all available audition times for Nova Jazz Singers, then please contact Sam Al-Hadid (salhadid@kent.edu). 

Audition Sign-up

Solo Vocal Jazz

Solo jazz vocalists can audition to join several Ensembles 91²Ö¿â

  • Jazz Orchestra
  • Jazz Workshop Ensembles
  • Jazz Combos

Audition Dates

  • Audition dates will be posted as they become available. 

Audition Requirements

  • Song of your choice from the Great American Songbook.

Audition Sign-ups

  • Audition sign-ups will be posted as they become available. 

Questions or Need More Info?

Contact
Bobby Selvaggio
Director of Jazz Studies
rselvagg@kent.edu

 

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