Jazz Ensembles

Johnson County Landmark (JCL)

JCL is a jazz repertory ensemble from the University of Iowa, under the direction of John Rapson, devoted to the performance of original compositions by jazz masters.

Its touring programs have included the music of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Tadd Dameron, Thad Jones, Gerry Mulligan, Benny Golson, Charles Mingus, Oliver Nelson and Fletcher Henderson. The band is one of 10 jazz ensembles at Iowa that range from combos to big bands and differ in stylistic formats from experimental compositions to traditional repertoires.

JCL will record its third CD in as many years this spring, building on the critical success of the previous Been There, Done That and A Mingus Among Us. Several members of these ensembles have also received individual awards for improvisation and composition. Jacob Varmus was the top finisher of the International Trumpet Guild's 1995 Jazz Competition and Scott Dart won first prize in the Jazz Composition 1994 Competition sponsored by California State University at San Diego.

Members of Johnson County Landmark are selected by auditions which equally stress reading and improvisational skills. Much of the material performed by JCL requires members to double on secondary instruments and to be conversant with music from different stylistic periods. In addition, to its free concerts on campus, JCL makes frequent club appearances and will be featured this year as part of Community Artists Series throughout Iowa and Illinois.

Jazz Lab Band

This big band is devoted to teaching the skills of sight reading, stylistic interpretation, sectional playing and solo improvisation in large jazz ensembles. In addition to weekly rehearsals and sectionals, students work independently on musicianship skills and listening assignments.

Improviser's Orchestra

This ensemble focuses on realizing the works of student composers and transcribing the recordings of recent compositions in the jazz field. Students meet or correspond with current jazz innovators in addition to weekly rehearsals and compositional work.

The Iowa Jazztet

A combo comprised of faculty and graduate students that conduct workshops and performances throughout the midwest.

Last Updated 14-oct-03