Jazz Day
Jazz Day at Concordia features Jazz I & II, renowned guest clinicians, and high school jazz bands from across the region.
Jazz Ensembles
With three jazz bands and two vocal jazz ensembles, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in the jazz program.
Concordia jazz bands often feature world-renowned guest artists such as Phil Woods, Dave Weckle, and Peter Erskin. Great local jazz artists also frequently make appearances.
The Concordia College Jazz Ensemble I
In addition to five major concerts a year, Jazz Ensemble I performs on Concordia’s annual Day of Percussion with some of the country’s most sought-after players.
While most of the concerts happen on campus, the final concert is at a downtown Fargo jazz club.
Jazz Ensemble I is conducted by Russell Peterson.
The Concordia College Jazz Ensemble II
With four major concerts a year, Jazz Ensemble II also regularly performs at regional conventions and educational events at local schools.
Jazz Ensemble II is conducted by Dr. Erika Izaguirre.
Concordia Vocal Jazz I & II
Concordia’s Vocal Jazz Ensembles are part of the Vocal Jazz Student Organization and provide a multitude of opportunities for students of any major interested in the world of jazz — from singing in the ensembles or playing in the rhythm section to working as a sound technician.
Vocal Jazz I & II perform two on-campus concerts each year and perform with Kantorei in February and as a part of Chamber Voices in April, as well as various off-campus gigs in collaboration with Jazz I throughout the year. In addition, Vocal Jazz hosts the annual Concordia Vocal Jazz Festival, which will feature Grammy-nominated säje as Festival Clinicians in February 2023.
Concordia Vocal Jazz I has been selected to perform at the ACDA-MN State Conference in November 2022. Vocal Jazz I is directed by Wyatt Steinke and Vocal Jazz II is directed by Vocal Jazz Student Director Kathryn Gubrud.
