Jazz Ensemble II Peanuts Feature

Jazz Ensemble II: A Peanuts Holiday

Jazz Ensemble II celebrates the holiday music of Vince Guaraldi in this special seasonal concert! Go waltzing with “The Great Pumpkin,” watch a “Little Birdie,” and go “Skating” with all-new arrangements of these classic, nostalgic songs.

Spartan Jazz Collective December 2025

Spartan Jazz Collective: The Music of Roy Hargrove

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Spartan Jazz Collective as they celebrate the music of legendary trumpeter Roy Hargrove! This collaborative faculty-student ensemble highlights the next generation of jazz talent, with students taking the lead in arranging, rehearsing, and performing under the mentorship of the UNCG jazz faculty. Known for his soulful sound and his ability to bridge tradition with modern styles like hip-hop and R&B, Roy Hargrove’s music continues to inspire—and this performance promises fresh, vibrant interpretations that honor his legacy.

Rahsaan Barber Jazz Saxophonist

Rahsaan Barber Quintet

Rahsaan Barber has set out on a singular path of musical excellence in performance, composition, education, and entrepreneurship. In addition to working as a professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rahsaan enjoys a performance career that encompasses an ever-expanding range of musical styles, including jazz, blues, funk, classical, fusion, soul, Latin, and world music.

John Clayton

John Clayton and Jazz Ensemble I

The Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program closes the year with jazz bassist, composer, arranger, and producer John Clayton. A GRAMMY® winner with nine additional nominations, Clayton has written for and collaborated with artists including Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah, McCoy Tyner, Yo‑Yo Ma, and Charles Aznavour.

Aaron Goldberg

Aaron Goldberg

Aaron Goldberg is widely heralded as one of jazz’s most compelling pianists, both leading his own trio and collaborating with such brilliant icons as Joshua Redman, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Guillermo Klein, and many more. Simultaneously swinging and embracing risk, his stylistically fluid, singular voice reveals that jazz is a tradition of innovation.

Jazz Pianist Christian Sands

Honors High School Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble I with special guest Christian Sands

The Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program presents the 26th Annual Honors High School Jazz Band, November 22–23, 2025, featuring pianist-composer Christian Sands. The two-day event consists of big band rehearsals, clinics, and improvisation master classes, and concludes with a performance by the Honors Band, renowned pianist Christian Sands, and the UNCG Jazz Ensemble I directed by Thomas Heflin.

Jazz Ensembles Miles Ahead Feature February 2026

Jazz Ensembles I and II ∙ Miles Ahead: Acoustic Miles

The Miles Davis Jazz Studies celebrates their namesake in his centennial year with “Miles Ahead: Acoustic Miles!” Jazz Ensembles I and II present a program of Davis’ most compelling acoustic music from the years spanning 1947–67.

Jazz Ensemble II Electric Miles Feature April 2026

Jazz Ensemble II ∙ Directions: Electric Miles

The Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program honors the groundbreaking legacy of Miles Davis in his centennial year. Jazz Ensemble II presents Directions: Electric Miles—a dynamic program featuring all-new arrangements of Davis’ electric-era music from 1968–91. Inspired by his trailblazing spirit and lasting impact on American music, the Jazz Studies program is dedicating the spring 2026 semester to exploring and celebrating his innovative artistry.