Jazz Combo ensembles prepare students for a music career by providing the experience of being part of a real-world working band. Students learn to work together, rehearse and prepare music themselves.

Jazz String Ensemble

The Jazz String Ensemble, directed by Craig Butterfield, is a unique organization with string players playing music traditionally reserved for saxophones and brass players. There are very few groups of this kind anywhere in the world. The ensemble includes violins, violas, cello and bass.

Jazz Guitar Ensemble

The USC Jazz Guitar Ensemble, directed by Bert Ligon, gives guitarists a chance to read and play ensemble parts, accompany and improvise in an ensemble where the guitars are front and center. The guitar ensemble includes 4-8 guitarists, bass and drums.