JMU Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble with guest artist Jeff Coffin, saxophone

The JMU Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble were founded in 1971, and membership in each is determined by audition each semester. JMU jazz groups have performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Terrace Theater, Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and VMEA annual convention.

The JMU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Chuck Dotas, has been featured with the U.S. Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble and U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble and at the East Coast Jazz Festival in Rockville, Maryland. The ensemble has performed with renowned artists like Bobby McFerrin and esteemed jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan. The JMU Jazz Band is under the direction of Greg Thomas.