Jazz Ensemble I

KSU’s Jazz Ensemble I opens the fall semester with its first concert of the year, led by Sam Skelton. The program features the energy and drive of big band jazz, highlighting expressive ensemble playing and spirited improvisation.

Jazz lives in the space between structure and spontaneity; in the split-second decisions, fearless collaboration and unmistakable energy of artists creating in the moment. At the Bailey School of Music, Jazz Ensemble I brings that spirit to life through performances that honor the rich traditions of jazz while embracing its constant evolution.

Drawing from swing, big band, fusion, contemporary jazz and original composition, the ensemble performs music that is rhythmically charged, emotionally expressive and deeply rooted in the art of improvisation. Students develop the versatility and creative fluency demanded of today’s musicians through intensive rehearsal, collaboration and performance alongside internationally recognized guest artists and master teachers.

Whether reimagining classic repertoire or exploring new musical terrain, Jazz Ensemble I creates concerts that pulse with precision and personality. Each performance becomes a conversation — between musicians, between generations of influence and between the audience and the music unfolding in real time.