Mt. SAC Jazz Band and Lab Band

The Music Program is open to Music Major and Non-Music Majors. Students playing in an ensemble qualify for Priority Registration

Director Of Jazz Studies: Jeff Ellwood
Contact jellwood@mtsac.edu for more information

Mt. SAC has become one of the premier Community College Jazz programs in California. 

The Mt. SAC Jazz Ensemble Awards:
2009 - 1st Place Reno Jazz Festival
2011 - 2nd Place Reno Jazz Festival
2012 - 1st Place Western States Jazz Festival
2012 - 1st Place Reno Jazz Festival
2013 - 1st place Reno Jazz Festival
2014 - 1st place Reno Jazz Festival
2015 - 1st Place Reno Jazz Festival
2016 - 1st Place Reno Jazz Festival
​2017 - 2nd Place Reno Jazz Festival
2018 - 2nd Place Reno Jazz Festival
2018 - Downbeat Magazine Student Music Award  Winners for “Best Large Ensemble”
2019 - 1st Place Route 66 Jazz Festival
2019 - 1st Place Reno Jazz Festival
2020 - Outstanding Performance Downbeat Magazine Student Music Award “Large Ensemble”

MUS 47 Jazz Ensemble: (Audition only) – Is a traditional Big Band that plays jazz in traditional style and modern styles. (Intermediate to Advanced level)

MUS 39 Laboratory Band: (Non-audition) – Is a smaller contemporary ensemble that will play a wide array of styles that could include jazz, rock, funk, Latin music styles. (Novice to Intermediate Level)

MUS 16 Individual Instruction: Students playing in an ensemble qualify for 14 hours of private lessons.

Primary Instruments used for these ensembles:
Bass
Drums
Piano
Guitar
Trumpet
Trombone
Saxophone

Mt. SAC Jazz Faculty
Jeff Ellwood – Director of Jazz Studies/Saxophone
Barbara Laronga – Trumpet
Dr. Karen Marston – Trombone
Dean Koba – Drums
Katie Thiroux – Bass
Joe LoPiccolo – Guitar
Dr. Dhiren Panikker – Piano
Dr. Marcus Wilcher – Saxophone/Jazz Composition