Introducing inaugural Thompson Honor Jazz Ensemble
Photo credit: Jazz Education Network
The College of Music will welcome 18 high school musicians from across Colorado on Saturday, Nov. 7, for activities of the inaugural Thompson Honor Jazz Ensemble: The new initiative offers students opportunities to learn, collaborate and perform alongside members of CU Boulder’s jazz community.
Selected through a competitive audition process, the ensemble features students in grades 10-12 from 10 Colorado communities: Boulder, Longmont, Niwot, Louisville, Superior, Wheat Ridge, Denver, Aurora, Monument and Buena Vista.
Led by Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies Annie Booth, the ensemble is designed to build on the musical training students receive in their school programs while introducing them to our Thompson Jazz Studies Program.
“We wanted to create a special experience for young jazz musicians–one that builds on what they’re learning and connects them with the vibrant community of students and faculty here at the College of Music,” Booth says.
Collaboration + discovery
Throughout the day, participants will rehearse as a big band, work in smaller sectionals, explore improvisation and connect with fellow musicians during a jam session. Students also will have opportunities to learn from, and play alongside, Thompson Jazz faculty.
The day will culminate in a public concert on Saturday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. in the Imig Music Building’s Ensemble Hall (S134). A highlight of the program will be the premiere of a new composition written specifically for the ensemble by Nick Mailes (DMA ’28, jazz studies). All told, the performance will showcase the students’ work and celebrate the collaborative spirit of the inaugural ensemble.
Inspiring the next generation of jazz artists
The Thompson Honor Jazz Ensemble reflects the College of Music’s commitment to connecting young musicians with the university’s musical community. By bringing high school students to campus for an immersive day of instruction and performance, the initiative ensures that participants deepen their musicianship, exchange ideas with peers and experience college-level jazz study firsthand.
The audition process for the inaugural ensemble launched at the beginning of the fall semester; selected participants were notified Oct. 5. Audition information for the 2027 Thompson Honor Jazz Ensemble is expected to be announced in April 2027.