The CSUSB jazz ensemble is made up of undergraduate students representing such diverse majors as Music, Liberal Arts, Education, Business, and English.  The ensemble rehearses weekly and performs extensively in the Inland Empire.

This high-energy ensemble prides itself on performing various jazz styles including swing, funk, Latin, as well as ballads.  The ensemble is currently under the direction of Dr. Bob Knop.

Performances have included appearances locally as the feature ensemble for jazz festivals in San Bernardino at both Bloomington and San Bernardino High Schools. The ensemble performs annually as part of the ‘Lake Arrowhead Village Jazz Series’, featuring guest artists, and regional jazz celebrities and has also been active in the San Bernardino community performing for the San Bernardino Symphony Guild, Ronald McDonald House of Loma Linda Medical Center, and was recently featured at the City of Grand Terrace 30th Anniversary Gala. In 2007 and 2008 the CSUSB Jazz Ensemble appeared at the Reno Jazz Festival placing in the top ten 4-Year College Band Category in 2007.  

Guest artists who have appeared with the ensemble include Stu Undem - Professor of Trombone, studio artist, Los Angeles Saxophone recording artist, composer, arranger, and music educator Kim Richmond, and recording Blues artist and guitarist from Chicago John Carey.

The CSUSB Jazz Ensemble is a mainstay on campus as well performing at numerous social and official functions. The ensemble was honored to participate in the CSUSB 40th Anniversary Gala lending it’s energy and sophistication to the evening’s activities.

The ensemble is always open to musicians regardless of their major. Anyone interested in performing with the CSUSB Jazz Ensemble or Vocal Jazz Ensemble should contact Dr. Bob Knop (909) 537-5463; email: rknop@csusb.edu.