Jazz Band

Jazz Band is open to all students through an audition process held at the beginning of each semester. The group rehearses from 1:00-2:30 on Tuesday and Thursday and gives frequent public performances. The annual Bemidji State University Jazz Fest, which is in its 32nd year, has featured many great jazz artists performing as soloists, including Rich Matteson, Bobby Shew, Steve Turre, Frank Mantooth, Byron Stripling and Steve Houghton.  Other jazz artists featured recently with the band include Jeff Coffin, Allen Vizzutti, Kathy Jensen, Kiku Collins, and Wayne Bergeron, The group tours regionally each year and has performed in Mexico and Hawaii. Other performances include a nostalgic look at the Big Band Era with the annual Remember When.  The BSU Jazz Band is under the direction of Dr. Del Lyren and participating students may earn up to 2 college credits per semester.  Click here for a copy of the current Jazz Band syllabus.