The University of North Texas’ internationally acclaimed jazz studies program has the One O’Clock Lab Band as its premier performing group. Jay Saunders directs the One O’Clock Lab Band. The One O’clock Lab Band has received six Grammy nominations, including double nominations for Lab 2009 for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble” as well as “Best Instrumental composition” for Ice-Nine. This is due to the over fifty Lab Band recordings. One O’clock Lab Band is known for its exceptional musicianship and tight ensemble performance. One O’Clock Lab Band concerts include the Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson libraries (both exclusively at North Texas), original compositions from Grammy-nominated composers Neil Slater, Steve Wiest, and Rich DeRosa. Also, the UNT jazz library contains a wealth of arrangements and compositions written by current and past students. The One O’clock is often seen at major jazz venues like Birdland (NYC), Blues Alley(DC), Catalina’s [LA]), as well as as as the headliner at major music conferences and jazz festivals. The North Texas jazz program alumni are well-known in the professional music world as jazz musicians and educators. There are many notable names on the list, including Jimmy Giuffre, Herb Ellis, Bob Dorough and Bob Morgan. Marvin Stamm and Ed Soph. Billy Harper, Dan Haerle and Bruce Fowler. Dan Haerle and Bruce Fowler. Dan Saunders, Jay Saunders and Jay Saunders. Dan Haerle and Chuck Schmidt. Dan Haerle and Chuck Schmidt. Dan Haerle and Bruce Fowler. Dan Haerle and Chuck Schmidt. Dan Haerle and Chuck Schmidt, Rosana Eckerton Heling, Ross Pederson, Stockton Helting, Stockton Heling, Ross Pederson, and Nora Eckerton Helting, Rosana Eckerton Helting, Stockton Heling, Stockton Heling, Stockton Heling, Ross Pederson, Ross Pederson, and Nora Jones. North Texas has a long tradition of bringing major jazz musicians to campus to interact with students. The Annual Fall Concert, the Jazz Lecture Series, the Gomez International Artist Endowment residency and various instrumental clubs run by UNT students are just a few of the ways this is possible. It is amazing to see the list of jazz legends (composers, musicians, and scholars) who shared their music and experiences with North Texas students. This wealth of knowledge is key to the success of North Texas’ jazz program. North Texas’ jazz degree program was established in 1947 by Dr. Gene Hall. It gained national recognition under Dr. Leon Breeden and international fame under Neil Slater. John Murphy is currently the chair of the UNT jazz faculty. This division is the basis for the North Texas jazz studies. The UNT Jazz Studies students have access to a unique educational environment thanks to the 13 full-time faculty members. http://jazz.unt.edu
