The University of Texas at Tyler Jazz

08/17/2026

Calling all High School Jazz students! 🎷

Get a head start on your auditions at the UT Tyler All-State Jazz Workshop on Saturday, August 29!

This FREE workshop is open to students preparing for both TMEA and ATSSB All-State Jazz auditions. Spend the day working with UT Tyler jazz faculty on the audition music, style, interpretation, and strategies to help you perform your best!

Saturday, August 29 📅
UT Tyler School of Performing Arts 📍
FREE — registration required 💲

TMEA Workshop
8:45 a.m. – Check-In 🎵
9:00–11:30 a.m. – Workshop 🎵

BONUS SESSION — Open to Everyone! 🧡
12:00 p.m. – Learn more about UT Tyler and take a campus tour with UT Tyler Admissions! TMEA students can stay after their session, and ATSSB students can come early.

ATSSB Workshop
12:45 p.m. – Check-In 🎵
1:00–3:30 p.m. – Workshop 🎵

Whether you’re just getting started on the music or putting the finishing touches on your audition preparation, come spend the day with us and get ready for All-State!

Bring your instrument, bring your music, and bring your questions! 🎺

Register today and join us on August 29!

https://loom.ly/4dVgO2c

07/21/2026

Congratulations Isaiah Perez

Repost from UTTylerSaxophone
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Congratulations to Patriot Sax Studio member Perry Perez on headlining his first jazz club dates with his quartet! 🎷✨

This summer, Perry performed at two iconic Texas venues—Monks Jazz in Austin and Emmit’s Place in Houston. We are proud to see his hard work and artistry recognized on these stages and look forward to following his continued success.

06/29/2026

06/12/2026

Meet the Rhythm Section Faculty of the 9th Annual UT Tyler Jazz Camp! 🎸

Great jazz starts with a great rhythm section, and this summer campers will have the opportunity to learn from three of East Texas' most accomplished musicians: Gary Freeman, James Driscoll, and George Faber. 🎶

Gary Freeman is an accomplished pianist, composer, and educator who has performed with renowned artists including Kirk Whalum, Tom Scott, Mel Tormé, Van Morrison, and Andy Williams. He currently serves as Music Director for Prince Ivan and is an adjunct jazz instructor at UT Tyler. Gary brings decades of professional performance experience and a deep passion for jazz education. 🎵

James Driscoll is one of the most respected bassists in Texas. A graduate of the University of North Texas, James has performed and recorded with artists including Don Henley, Doc Severinsen, Andy Timmons, Stockton Helbing, and members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. As an educator, performer, composer, and recording engineer, he brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to every student he teaches. 🎸

George Faber is a celebrated keyboardist, producer, arranger, educator, and bandleader whose career has taken him from East Texas to stages around the world. A former Director of Jazz Studies at UT Tyler and longtime Fine Arts administrator for Tyler ISD, George has performed with artists including Eric Marienthal, Allen Vizzutti, Al Jarreau, and Blue Lou Marini. His versatility and passion for music continue to inspire audiences and students alike. 🎹

Whether you play piano, bass, guitar, drums, or simply want to better understand the role of the rhythm section in jazz, you'll learn from musicians whose careers span performance, recording, composition, and education at the highest levels. ⭐

June 22–26, 2026 📅
The University of Texas at Tyler 📍
Register today! 📝

https://loom.ly/6e7SSgc

06/11/2026

Meet the Trombone Faculty of the 9th Annual UT Tyler Jazz Camp! 🎵

This summer, trombone students will study with DJ Rice and Nicholas Losos, two outstanding performers and educators who are making their mark on the next generation of brass musicians. 🎶

DJ Rice is an award-winning jazz trombonist, composer, and educator whose playing has been described as an amalgamation of jazz legends J.J. Johnson and Curtis Fuller. He has performed and recorded with artists including Christian McBride, Bill Cunliffe, and Andre Hayward and has earned recognition through numerous national competitions, including the International Trombone Association J.J. Johnson Competition and the UNT Jazz Trombone Day Competition. DJ currently serves on the faculty at both UT Tyler and Collin College.

Joining him is Nicholas Losos, an accomplished performer and educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of North Texas, where he serves as a Teaching Fellow. An active freelance musician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Nicholas has performed with ensembles affiliated with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and has received numerous honors throughout his academic career, including concerto and chamber music competition victories. His passion for teaching and mentorship helps students develop both as musicians and individuals.

Whether you're interested in jazz improvisation, tone development, technique, audition preparation, or ensemble performance, you'll learn from two exceptional artists dedicated to helping students succeed. 🎼

June 22–26, 2026 📅
The University of Texas at Tyler 📍
Register today! 📝
https://loom.ly/6e7SSgc

06/10/2026

Meet the Drum Set & Percussion Faculty of the 9th Annual UT Tyler Jazz Camp! 🥁

This summer, percussion students will have the opportunity to study with Dr. Tyree Hastings and special guest artist Stockton Helbing, two outstanding educators and performers with extensive experience in both jazz and percussion performance. 🎶

Dr. Tyree Hastings serves as Director of Percussion Studies at The University of Texas at Tyler. Prior to joining UT Tyler, he taught at both the University of North Texas and Brigham Young University, where he instructed percussion lessons, percussion ensemble, drumline, music theory, and aural skills. An active performer and clinician, Dr. Hastings has presented clinics and performances throughout the United States and Australia and is dedicated to helping students develop strong technique, musicality, and confidence behind the drums.

Joining him is Stockton Helbing, one of the most respected jazz drummers and educators in the country. Since 2011, Stockton has performed throughout the United States with legendary trumpet virtuoso Doc Severinsen and has shared the stage with artists including Arturo Sandoval, Maynard Ferguson, Randy Brecker, Wayne Bergeron, Erykah Badu, and many others. In addition to his busy performing career, Stockton is an acclaimed composer, arranger, author, producer, and educator who teaches drum set at the University of North Texas.

Whether you're interested in drum set, percussion, improvisation, groove development, or jazz performance, you'll learn from two incredible musicians who are passionate about helping students grow and succeed.

June 22–26, 2026 📅
The University of Texas at Tyler 📍
Register today! 📝
https://loom.ly/6e7SSgc

06/09/2026

Meet the Trumpet Faculty of the 9th Annual UT Tyler Jazz Camp! 🎺

This summer, trumpet students will study with Dr. Jeremy McBain and Micah Bell, two outstanding performers, educators, and jazz artists with decades of professional experience. 🎶

Dr. Jeremy McBain serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet at The University of Texas at Tyler, where he teaches applied trumpet, brass chamber music, brass methods, and arranging. An active performer throughout East Texas, he serves as principal trumpet of the Texarkana Symphony and performs regularly with the Rose City Brass Quintet and Rose City Jazz Orchestra. Throughout his career, Dr. McBain has shared the stage with artists including Doc Severinsen, Byron Stripling, John Clayton, The Contours, and the legendary Michael Brecker. 🎺

Joining him is Micah Bell, Professor of Music and Trumpet at Tyler Junior College and one of East Texas's most respected jazz musicians, composers, and arrangers. His works have been performed internationally, including a premiere at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition to his work as a performer, Micah has served as Interim Director of Bands at Tyler Junior College and Interim Director of Jazz Studies at UT Tyler, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to every student he teaches. 🌎

Whether you're looking to strengthen your fundamentals, improve your improvisation skills, or take your jazz playing to the next level, you'll learn from two incredible educators who are passionate about student success. ⭐

June 22–26, 2026 📅
The University of Texas at Tyler 📍
Register today! 📝
https://loom.ly/iBJ9SDk

06/08/2026

Meet the Saxophone Faculty of the 9th Annual UT Tyler Jazz Camp! 🎷

This summer, saxophone students will have the opportunity to study with Dr. Sarah Roberts and Bruce Bohnstengel, two accomplished performers and educators dedicated to helping students take their playing to the next level.

Dr. Sarah Roberts serves as Director of the School of Performing Arts and Associate Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Tyler. An internationally recognized performer and educator, she has appeared as a featured artist and clinician throughout the United States and is passionate about helping students develop strong fundamentals, confidence, creativity, and improvisation skills.

Joining her is Bruce Bohnstengel, a distinguished saxophonist with an impressive career spanning both performance and education. Bruce attended the University of North Texas as a teaching fellow, performed with the legendary One O'Clock Lab Band, and directed the Three O'Clock Lab Band. Throughout his career he has performed with artists including Joe Williams, Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Lou Rawls, The Platters, and many others. A two-time DownBeat Award recipient, Bruce continues to be recognized for his creative artistry and commitment to musical excellence.

Whether you're an experienced jazz musician or just beginning your jazz journey, you'll have the opportunity to learn from two passionate educators dedicated to helping students grow as performers and improvisers.

June 22–26, 2026 📅
The University of Texas at Tyler 📍
Register today!
https://loom.ly/iBJ9SDk

05/22/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to register for on campus housing! Don’t miss your chance to join us for Jazz Camp!! Register here: https://uttylerjazzcamp.totalcamps.com/About%20Us

05/01/2026

Good news! 🎉

We’re extending Early Bird pricing for UT Tyler Jazz Camp!

If you missed last night’s deadline, you’ve got a little more time to take advantage of discounted registration. Don’t wait, spots are filling quickly, and you won’t want to miss this incredible week of jazz, learning, and community.

Register here https://loom.ly/hf8gJyc and secure your spot today! 🎷