The Amarillo College Jazz Ensemble has appeared yearly at regional, national and inter-national jazz festivals. Here is a list of the festivals our students have performed at during Dr. Laughlin’s tenure with AC.

 

The UNC / Greeley Jazz Festival, Greeley, CO

The UNT / Addison Jazz Festival, Addison, TX (invitational)

Texas Tech Jazz Festival, Lubbock, TX

The Wichita Jazz Festival, Wichita, KS

The Lionel Hampton / Chevron Jazz Festival, Moscow, ID

The Montreaux International Jazz Festival, Montreaux, Switzerland

All styles of jazz are explored, with an emphasis in small ensemble training. Various ensembles have included contemporary and vintage big bands, including “The Radio Days Orchestra,” and "The AC Jazz Band." “The Dixie Pups” perform traditional Dixieland styles, while other small ensembles are created through audition, matching students of similar level and experience. An emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, overview of historic styles, and the creation of original student compositions. Each year AC students have received awards for outstanding group and individual achievements at competitive festivals.

Former students from the AC jazz ensemble have successfully transferred to such programs as The University of North Texas, University of Northern Colorado, Berklee College of Music, The University of Wisconsin, and others. Some are now professional jazz performers, including Marlin McKay, Charlene Eminger, Dustin Adams, and many others.