OU Jazz Program
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Student accomplishments 
Mike    Gillespie      -      Completed  first album   /   won   solo    chair    in    Glenn    Miller     ghost    band     /      CURRENTLY   TOURING     INTERNATIONALLY  WITH       ELF  THE   MUSICAL      
​barron      ryan       -          completed  first album             Mike        Beavers       -          member    of    Justin     exit           
corey   Wilson      -        member    of    david   whiteman     band            
 
anthony    nagid      -      director of music   victory cruise lines          jemar    poteat    -       music    director     at    people's      church                    
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Jonathan     mosesman      -        Appointed      Lead     Trumpet       in      the     UNT      4     O'Clock     jazz     band  at    UNT        
  David   leach      -        featured     on     david    letterman         David   leach    and     Kate   dinsmore    -    featured    at   jaz z   in  june   2016
Christi    Wans    -     touring    with      kinky    boots

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FOR COVID INFO
EMAIL JAY WILKINSON AT
​JAZZPROF@OU.EDU
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University of oklahoma  Jazz   program

The origin of the OU Jazz Program, in its current form, can be traced back to the late 1980’s when the bass professor, John Williams, agreed to direct the jazz band.  Williams built the library, prepared the band for concerts, and almost immediately, began taking the group to regional jazz festivals..  Soon a second band was needed.  Before long, both bands were traveling and the top band became one of the most appreciated ensembles at the Wichita Jazz Festival, always receiving standing ovations following performances.  On the wave of his success, Williams created a jazz improvisation class, a jazz history class, a jazz arranging class and a chamber jazz class. 

In 1998 John Williams retired and was succeeded by Mr. Jay Wilkinson, a graduate of the university. Wilkinson quickly brought to the program his love for progressive jazz redefining the two bands as a literature band and an experimental band.  He also established a vocal jazz component, strengthened the chamber jazz area, initiated the university’s first jazz recitals, and broadened the scope of the program by integrating the independent study course more fully for students with unique interests.  The following features are a result of Jay's steadfast commitment and the support of the OU School of Music:  Students can receive large ensemble credit for participation in jazz band.  The OU Jazz Program received the Joni Rice Memorial Jazz Education Fund which is the primary financial backing for guest artists, travel, and program expenses.  Soon, the OU School of Music will offer a BMA and BFA degree with an emphasis in jazz studies.

jazz concerts for
FALL 2020, SPRING 2021

OCT 8 @ 7:30pm
NOV 12 @ 7:30PM
MAR 1 @ 7:30PM
APR 12 @ 7:30PM

(UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ALL CONCERTS ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED VIA LIVE STREAM.)



ou jazz night at othello's
is currently suspended due to
covid restrictions.

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