KTSW Loves: TXST Jazz Ensemble

By Kayla Vargas

Promotions member

At Texas State University, the music scene thrives, with one hidden gem being the enriching Jazz Ensemble. This ensemble is located within the School of Music and is a space that welcomes music enthusiasts, offering a home to share musical talents with like-minded souls. The TXST Jazz Ensemble, an intimate group, provides students with the opportunity to explore their musical styles within an intense and high-energy atmosphere, delving into a diverse range of big band sounds, classic swing, and the exhilarating rhythm of high-energy beats.

Within this ensemble, students are encouraged to learn and evolve, broadening their individual voices as performers. Given that San Marcos is situated between Austin and San Antonio, students have the chance to explore performance opportunities beyond the local region, elevating their portfolios and education. Ensemble members also benefit from additional networking opportunities assisted by the faculty. The TXST Jazz Ensemble faculty is comprised of first-call musicians, individuals frequently chosen by producers for significant projects. They play a significant role in guiding students to build connections in the field, preparing them for careers in composition, performance, and education.

The TXST Jazz Ensemble falls under the horizon of the School of Music. However, it [TXST Jazz Ensemble] welcomes participants from all majors, fostering an inclusive and diverse musical community. For membership in the ensemble, auditions are required which in fact are coming up for spring 2024 scheduled on Nov. 27 and 29. 

For detailed audition requirements and information including specific times and locations, make sure to visit https://www.txst.edu/jazzstudies/auditions/ensemble-auditions.html

The Texas State Jazz Ensemble takes pride in hosting engaging, lively performances for their audience throughout the school year. With unwavering dedication and a strong work ethic, the ensemble has consistent rehearsals and preparations, ensuring they are well-prepared for new programs scheduled at least once a month. As a former member of a jazz group, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for jazz and gained insight into the dedication required to thrive in this musical atmosphere. Having the opportunity to attend a TXST Jazz Ensemble performance brought me back to such an electrifying time in my life when I was surrounded by a dynamic music scene. If you’d like to support musicians and are looking for a captivating and riveting experience, make sure to check out the upcoming performances by the TXST jazz ensemble. One I would suggest keeping an eye out for is TXST Jazz Ensemble’s seasonal program of Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite”, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 30 at Evans Auditorium.

For more information on purchasing tickets for upcoming performances, visit https://txstatepresents.universitytickets.com/?cid=165

To stay updated on the TXST Jazz Ensemble, feel free to follow @txstjazz on Instagram or visit their website to learn more: https://www.txst.edu/jazzstudies.html.