<p>I have heard some good things about the Jazz program at Princeton. S2 is an excellent Jazz drummer in one of the nation's best HS Jazz bands (recently won the super bowl of Jazz competitions, and will be touring Europe this summer) and is looking at schools where he can continue his love for Jazz and get solid academics. Is there an audition process? Is it best to contact the music department or the Jazz band director prior to applying? Any information and advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I’m not in the jazz program, but I deal with the jazz people a fair amount. If you want to learn more about the music program, contact Tony Branker who is the director and also a lecturer in the music department. He’s a really nice guy. For his email address, you can just go to the Princeton website and search ‘branker’. It should come up on the side. Also, check out the website. [Princeton</a> University Jazz Program](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/~puje/]Princeton”>Princeton University Jazz Program)</p>
<p>Thanks, I have looked at the website. It is nice to know the band director is a nice guy, we will contact him after S2’s European tour is finished. I was wondering what the Jazz Ensembles might be like from the inside. The fact that the director is a nice guy suggests a supportive environment. At some places one finds a band of soloists, at others one finds a band that contains great soloists. Again, thanks for the reply, much appreciated and helpful.</p>
<p>You might enjoy this story.</p>
<p>[Jazz</a> Pianist Julia Brav ’08 Wins International Jazz Recognition - Lewis Center for the Arts](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/arts/news/archive/jazz-pianist-julia-brav-0/index.xml]Jazz”>http://www.princeton.edu/arts/news/archive/jazz-pianist-julia-brav-0/index.xml)</p>
<p>…and this one:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/06/1211/1b.shtml[/url]”>http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/06/1211/1b.shtml</a></p>
<p>Most interesting and informative. Thanks!</p>