College of Fine Arts and Design

As part of the School of Music and the College of Arts, Media & Design, the UCO Band program's primary goal is the preparation and training of musicians for careers in music education, performance, and studio teaching. At the same time, we are committed to providing a positive, inspiring, and motivating environment for all students who wish to participate in band at the college level. Our large ensembles would not be complete without the participation of students majoring in other academic areas. We want all band members enjoy a creative experience that will help them develop into proficient and flexible musicians, prepared to make a contribution to their artistic community. In addition, we are focused on maintaining a leadership role among state and regional colleges and universities in the areas of professional development and contribution to repertoire and literature. We hope that participation in UCO Bands will provide opportunities for musicians to create inspiring musical moments together, expanding their technical and aesthetic horizons.

Please also visit the official UCO Bands website.

Performance opportunities exist in:

Wind Symphony
Symphonic Band
Marching Band
Pep Band
Jazz Bands

Wind Symphony
Dr. Brian Lamb, Conductor

The UCO Wind Symphony is the premiere performing ensemble in the band division of the UCO School of Music. Members are selected by audition from among the finest musicians at the university. The symphony is dedicated to playing outstanding and challenging works of diverse and original styles, while furthering wind music of artistic and historical significance. In addition to several campus performances each year, the symphony often performs at regional and national conventions. The Wind Symphony has recorded three CD's since 2009. The most recent will be released next year and features the music of Michael Colgrass.

Back to Top

Symphonic Band
Mr. David Hanan, Conductor

The UCO Symphonic Band encourages high performance standards and creativity. It is open, by audition, to any instrumentalist in the university community as a way to expand their musical and aesthetic horizons. The group seeks to broaden performance and teaching skills through the programming of interesting and exciting band repertoire. With a rich heritage of traditional symphonic and military band literature, this group is able to also explore the work of contemporary composers. This ensemble gives at least one major performance in the fall semester and two performances on campus in the spring semester.

Back to Top

Marching Band
Mr. David Hanan, Conductor

With over 125 members, the UCO Marching Band makes an integral contribution to the exciting atmosphere of NCAA football at the University of Central Oklahoma. With performances at all home games, one away game, and all playoff appearances, the UCO Marching Band provides spirit, excitement, and entertainment for the thousands of fans that see the group perform each season, as well as support and encouragement for the UCO Broncho football team. The band also performs as an exhibition group at several high school marching contests each fall. The quality of the marching band is comparable to any Division I school in the region, and a recent appearance on a national Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television special is a wonderful example of the band's outstanding national reputation. Whether performing one of their spectacular halftime shows, filming a patriotic salute to America, or marching down the street in the Homecoming Parade, the UCO Marching Band is exciting, engaging, and entertaining!

Back to Top

Pep Band
Mr. David Hanan, Conductor

The Pep Band provides entertainment and encourages school spirit in the energetic atmosphere of all UCO men's and women's home basketball games. The Pep Band also performs at a select number of matches and tournaments for the National Champion UCO Wrestling Team. Pep Band musicians are selected by audition from among the faithful members of the UCO Marching Band. Pep Band members are compensated for their rehearsal and performance time, making participation in the Pep Band a nice way to earn a few dollars of spending money.  

Back to Top

Jazz Bands

Jazz Ensembles:
Jazz Ensemble I - directed by Brian Gorrell
Jazz Ensemble II - directed by Jeff Kidwell
Jazz Ensemble III - directed by Ryan Sharp and Lee Rucker
Studio Jazz Ensemble - directed by Michael Geib
Jazz Guitar Ensemble - directed by Danny Vaughan

Jazz Combos:
Jazz Repertory Combo I - directed by Michael Geib
Jazz Repertory Combo II - directed by Jared Cathey
Jazz Repertory Combo III - directed by Jared Cathey
5th Street Strutters (Dixeland Jazz Combo) - directed by Jeff Kidwell
Conjunto de Jazz Latino (Latin Jazz Combo) - directed by David Hardman
Jazz Composer's Combo - directed by Brian Gorrell

The Jazz Program at UCO, founded by Dr. Kent Kidwell, has been a vibrant part of the School of Music curriculum since 1974. Award-winning ensembles and generations of highly successful professional musicians have been the norm. With the opening of the UCO Jazz Lab in 2002 a new chapter began. Today, the Jazz Studies Division offers more performance ensembles than ever before and has expanded degree options including an undergraduate minor in jazz studies and a master of music in jazz performance or commercial music production. Recently, Jazz Ensemble I was recognized as the Collegiate Jazz Ensemble of the year by Downbeat Magazine.

All performance ensembles and most related coursework are open to every UCO student regardless of intended major.  Primary ensemble auditions take place during the 2nd week of each Fall semester. Important information will be posted on this page by August 1st of each year and discussed at the annual student meeting beginning at 3 p.m. on the first day of school every Fall semester.

For complete information, please visit the UCO Jazz Lab Website:
http://www.ucojazzlab.com 

Or, contact...

Information about Jazz Studies & Jazz Scholarships
Brian Gorrell
Jazz Studies Division Head - UCO Jazz Lab
405-359-7989 x 278
bgorrell@uco.edu

Back to Top