Conservatory of Music
Pacific Jazz Ensemble
Whether you prefer playing in a large jazz ensemble or a small combo, the greatest American art form is alive and well and on the move at the University of the Pacific. The Conservatory of Music has a rich variety of learning and performance opportunities dedicated to improvisation and the exploration of the many styles of jazz.
Pacific Jazz Ensemble
The Pacific Jazz Ensemble is a big band in the tradition of Duke Ellington and Count Basie that not only performs the classics but also embraces the music of contemporary composers and arrangers. Besides performing on campus each semester, the PJE 
often travels regionally to schools and jazz festivals.
In March 2007, the Pacific Jazz Ensemble was awarded 2nd place at the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey, California. In April 2008, the Pacific Jazz Ensemble was given a Superior rating by all 3 judges at the Reno Jazz Festival. In April 2009, the ensemble was invited for the 2nd time in 3 years to perform at the Next Generation Jazz Festival.
Members also have the opportunity to work with numerous guest artists and clinicians. Jazz masters in residence often spend a week as guest director of the PJE while giving clinics and master classes to both Brubeck Institute and Conservatory students. Recent guest artists include:
- Ndugu Chancellor
- Conrad Herwig
- Benny Maupin
- Christian McBride
- Joshua Redman
- Bill Smith
And of course, Conservatory alum Dave Brubeck and the Dave Brubeck Quartet are also regular visitors.
Membership
Membership is open to any University of the Pacific student by audition. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester.
Jazz Combos
Students are encouraged to audition for placement in a jazz combo. Members are grouped according to ability so that everyone has a chance to grow together and learn both the fundamentals and intricacies of jazz improvisation. Many students perform in local restaurants and coffeehouses sharpening their skills and gaining valuable experience.
Director of Jazz Studies
Patrick Langham joined the faculty of the Conservatory of Music in Fall 2003 as associate professor of music and Director of Jazz Studies. He holds degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and has taught at the University of South Carolina-Spartanburg. In the Conservatory, he directs the Pacific Jazz Ensemble, the jazz combos, teaches courses in improvisation, jazz history and theory, and teaches programs in the Brubeck Institute.