Jazz Singers
The University of North Texas Jazz Singers is the premier vocal jazz ensemble within the Division of Jazz Studies in the College of Music. Under the direction of Jennifer Barnes, Jazz Singers consists of twelve to fifteen vocalists and a four-piece rhythm section who perform a challenging and varied repertoire of jazz and jazz-influenced music, emphasizing close vocal harmonies, cutting-edge repertoire and improvisation.
The ensemble was awarded “Outstanding Performance” as a Graduate-level Jazz Choir in the 2012 DownBeat Student Music Awards, and has been named the Collegiate Jazz Choir winner numerous times under the leadership of founding director, Paris Rutherford. UNT Jazz Singers has performed at state, national and international music conferences and festivals, including those for the Jazz Education Network, International Association for Jazz Education, the American Choral Directors Association and the Texas Music Educators Association. UNT Jazz Singers is one of four vocal jazz ensembles that are part of the comprehensive Vocal Jazz Studies major at UNT, which comprises a global student population of 25 – 35 students who pursue Bachelor’s, Masters and Doctoral level degree programs.
Recent performances include: • Los Angeles, CA - Oceanside, CA Tour (Spring 2014)
• Jazz Education Network Annual Conference (Atlanta, GA, January 2013)
• The Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C., Fall 2011)
• Int'l Assn for Jazz Education (2005-New York, 2007-Toronto)
• Texas Music Educators Association (2006, San Antonio)
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Audition Information
The vocal jazz program, now in existence for over 30 years, focuses on strong performance skills, composing/arranging for vocal and instrumental ensembles, and on training as educators. Former members of UNT Jazz Singers perform in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Nashville, Toronto, Orlando, and are on university faculties across the United States and in Canada.