West Texas A&M University boasts two jazz big bands, Jazz Ensemble 1 and 2, directed by Doug Storey and James Barger. These two ensembles perform several times a year and provide opportunities for students to perform a variety of jazz styles including Swing, Blues, Rock, Latin, and Funk. In addition to performing, participants actively learn stylistic elements of these genres of music, representative band leaders and composers, as well as how to approach improvisation within their frameworks. These skills will further prepare the students for careers in music education or performance.
The WTAMU Jazz Ensembles have appeared numerous times at the UNC Greeley Jazz Festival and have performed alongside some of the world's best modern jazz artists as featured guests, including: Jeff Coffin, Roy "Futureman" Wooten, Felix Pastorius, Bill Fanning, Chris Walters, James Carter, Benny Green, John Thomas, Steve Davis, Katisse Buckingham, Chris Wabich, John Tegmeyer, Clay Jenkins, and Bob Sheppard.
Both jazz ensembles are open to performers of all majors with placements made by audition in the early fall semester. Positions are available on saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, bass (electric or acoustic), and drum set.
