Under the direction of Dr. Noah Getz, the AU Jazz Workshop is dedicated to exploring jazz from various time periods and influences.  The name of the group describes the flexibility and creative input of the members during rehearsals.  Members of the ensemble and Dr. Getz arrange all of the charts for the group with freedom to explore their preferences in style.  Arrangers and performers work out the details of each chart through performance, improvisation and discussion as they prepare for the next concert.  In addition, some members switch instruments depending on their ability and the needs of the tune.  The result of this collaborative atmosphere has included tunes by Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus and John Coltrane, Latin influenced charts, a Beatles tune with a funk introduction, and a Dexter Gordon standard with a reggae beat.  

Formed in the Fall of 2006, the Jazz Workshop has played at Twins Jazz, La Noche Caliente with the American University Jazz Band and Combo, and American University’s Battelle Atrium.  Dr. Fernando Benadon and Bobby Muncy have presented master classes to the group on arranging, improvising, ensemble sound, and how to prepare for a career in music beyond college.

If you would like to learn more about the AU Jazz Workshop, please contact Dr. Getz at getz@american.edu.

Current Members

Dr. Noah Getz, director
Michael Clement, trumpet
Ryan Rosen, Alto I
Eric Schmidt, Alto II
Paul Ruffner, Tenor I
Eugene Johnson, Tenor II
Luke Stewart, Baritone
Sam Levine, drums
JD Banks, guitar

Repertoire

Black Orpheus-Bonfa
Boplicity-Evans
Chan Chan-Trad. (Cuban)
Cheesecake-Gordon
Fables of Faubus-Mingus
Footprints-Shorter
Olé-Coltrane
Take the “A” Train-Ellington
Wade in the Water-Trad. (Griffin)
Yes or No-Shorter
Yesterday-Lennon/McCartney