Ensemble Director: Prof. John Kocur
The Mason Jazz Workshop, directed by Assistant Professor John Kocur explores the intersection of improvisation and composition in a large jazz ensemble. The name of the Mason Jazz Workshop is inspired by ensembles led by innovative jazz composers Charles Mingus and George Russell. Featuring George Mason University jazz studies students, the group performs compositions for octets, nonets, and instrumentations other than the typical jazz big band. Members of the ensemble will discover rare and beautiful arrangements by jazz legends from many eras of jazz history, including the present. The ensemble often performs new original compositions and arrangements by George Mason students and faculty as well.
Placement in the Jazz Workshop is by audition only (auditions are held at the beginning of each semester). All students interested in performing in the ensemble are encouraged to audition to see if they qualify.
For any questions about the ensemble, please contact Prof. Kocur.
