Back to Academic Programs

The Lamont School of Music is a superb place to study and perform jazz and commercial music. World-class, award-winning musicians direct our big band and vocal ensembles. We regularly perform with guest artists at nationally acclaimed festivals and competitions, and we host quarterly performances on campus. 

Membership to all ensembles is determined by audition and open to all University of Denver students. For audition repertoire and to schedule your audition, please contact the director of the associated ensemble.

  • Lamont Jazz Orchestra

    Director: Remy Le Boeuf

    The Lamont Jazz Orchestra (LJO) is the University of Denver's premier large jazz ensemble. Made up of five saxes, four trombones, four trumpets, piano, bass, guitar and drums, the LJO performs the standard canon of jazz literature as well as original music by students and faculty.

    ​The LJO performs on and off campus throughout the year, often with special guest artists. Guest performers have included Frank David Greene, Wayne Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio, Brad Leali, Ryan Truesdell and Bob Mintzer. Recently, LJO tied for first place at the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Festival and performed as part of the legendary Monterey Jazz Festival.

    Get Info

  • Vocal Jazz and Popular Music Ensembles

    Director: Tatiana Mayfield Brown

    Vocal Spectrum

    Vocal Spectrum is comprised of several solo vocal soloists with a rhythm section. In this group, soloists build band-leading skills while developing a solo jazz repertoire. They perform at Lamont and other venues on the DU campus.

    The Vocal Syndicate

    This is an elite group of three to four vocalists backed by a rhythm section who write and arrange all of their own music. They perform classic jazz, world jazz and contemporary jazz both at DU and off-campus in a variety of venues.

    Resonance

    This group focuses on repertoire from the rhythm & blues genre. They perform both at DU and off-campus. 

     

    Get Info

     

  • Jazz and Popular Music Small Groups

    Lamont small groups explore the canon of jazz and/or American popular music, as well as original student compositions and arrangements. Typically consisting of 4-7 players, small groups perform public concerts each quarter. More advanced groups often perform at festivals and venues off campus.

    Get Info