<p>Hi, im going to be a high school senior and am looking at colleges. I need to find a variety of good college jazz bands to compare to one another. if you could put in your thoughts to this I would greatly apprectiate that. Thanks again</p>
<p>University of North Texas has a HIGHLY regarded jazz program comprised of multiple leveled jazz bands.</p>
<p>Trumpet, are you interested in majoring in jazz performance, or participating in a jazz band while pursuing a different kind of degree?</p>
<p>Well…yes…U of North Texas Jazz bands are open to music majors only, I believe.</p>
<p>The UNT lab bands are amazing - The joke is that students playing in the One O’Clock Lab Band (probably 2 and 3 O’Clock bands, as well) are told that after they graduate they’ll never play in a band that good during their entire professional careers!</p>
<p>When we visited UNT, the One O-clock Band knocked our socks off!</p>
<p>UNT, Eastman, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music</p>
<p>Not so sure about West Coast.</p>
<p>But those would be the best … very competitive to get into. What is your ability level? And commitment level?</p>
<p>The four schools Vicaria mentions are all excellent, but all completely different, from size to opportunities to style of play. It’s important to determine what kind of jazz you like to play best: standards or “way out”. There is no way that a student who prefers one type would be happy at all of the above mentioned schools. They are so different.</p>
<p>Also, you need to have a professional give you an appraisal of your current level, so you will know what type of school is best level-wise.</p>
<p>Finally, if you aren’t looking at conservatories at all, but university programs or LACs with jazz orchestras or combos, this opens up other possibilities too. Tell us a little more about yourself!</p>