Ensemble Director: Prof. Wade Beach and Dr. Shawn Purcell
The Mason Jazz Combos are smaller chamber ensembles that play a vital role in the Jazz Studies curriculum. Under the direction of Professor Wade Beach and Dr. Shawn Purcell, these groups offer students hands-on experience in jazz repertoire, improvisation, composition, arranging, and small group performance. Open to both music and non-music majors, instrumentalists, and vocalists of all skill levels, the combos perform multiple times each semester, including appearances at the Mason Jazz Festival, International Jazz Day as well as local venues. Mason’s flagship combo, Combo Italia, recently had the distinguished opportunity to travel to Italy, where they performed at the renowned Umbria and Ancona Jazz Festivals—highlighting the program’s international reach and artistic excellence.
