Congratulations to the UNO Jazz Ensemble, recipient of a Global Music Award Silver Medal in the Latin Jazz Category! Click here to view a video of their award-winning performance at the UNO Jazz Festival with Guest Artist Jose Valentino.
See a list of all UNO Jazz Public Performances at the UNO School of Music Concerts and Events page.
UNO Jazz students: View a comprehensive schedule of rehearsals and performances as well as information regarding jazz masterclass.
UNO Jazz students: View a jazz course rotation here.
Jazz I
Directed by Dr. Pete Madsen
The UNO Jazz Ensemble performs the finest big band literature available, covering a range of styles including swing, latin, and contemporary arrangements by UNO Faculty and students.
The ensemble hosts the annual UNO Great Plains Jazz Festival, one of the biggest educational jazz festivals in the midwest, and regularly tours abroad and throughout the United States.
The UNO Jazz Ensemble regularly performs with major guest artists including Randy Brecker, Diane Schuur, Jon Faddis, Peter Erskine, and many more.
Meetings
Jazz I meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 12 P.M. - 12:50 P.M. in 109 SPAC.
Read more about the UNO Jazz Band performing at the Omaha Jitterbugs from the UNO Gateway.
Jazz II
Directed by Prof. Jason Johnson
UNO's Jazz Ensemble II performs regularly on campus and throughout the community. Their repertoire focuses on the classic big band literature including the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton.
The ensemble performs each year at UNO's Great Plains Jazz Festival and makes regular appearances at Omaha Jitterbugs swing dances.
Meetings
Jazz II meets Tuesday & Thursday from 1 P.M. - 1:50 P.M. in 109 SPAC.
Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra
Directed by Dr. Pete Madsen
The Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (MAYJO) is an auditioned group of the finest high school students from the Omaha area. MAYJO performs concerts at UNO and in the community including featured slots at UNO's Great Plains Jazz Festival.
MAYJO students have the opportunity to work closely with UNO faculty, professional musicians from Omaha, and guest artists and clinicians that have included Benny Golson, Peter Erskine, Jim Pugh, Eric Marienthal, Stefon Harris, Kris Berg, and many others.
MAYJO members have been recognized in the Downbeat Student Music Awards and are regularly selected for NAfME All-National ensembles and Nebraska All-State bands and orchestra.
MAYJO 2025-2026
Click Here for Audition information for MAYJO 2025-2026
View MAYJO's performance schedule.
Jazz Combos
These ensembles are coached by Pete Madsen, Jason Johnson, and Darren Pettit
UNO's Jazz Combos cover a wide range of styles including jazz standards, New Orleans Brass Band Funk, and original compositions by UNO students.
The UNO combos perform on campus and for community functions throughout the Omaha metro area. The UNO Jazz Combo has toured both Asia and Europe in partnership with UNO's International Studies Program and the Omaha Sister Cities Association.
