The Foothill Jazz Ensembles are among the best in the Bay Area. As one of the pioneers of the Jazz Education movement, the Music Department takes great pride in the outstanding quality of our two ensembles. The Evening Jazz Ensemble is a professional level group that performs original works written by members of the EJE, as well as classic literature by Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Gil Evans and others. The Afternoon Jazz Ensemble is a student group dedicated to the training and education of its membership.

Both groups are led by John Gove, a graduate of the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he studied composition with Rayburn Wright. Mr. Gove was one of the only students at Eastman who was chosen to lead a performance ensemble while still a student. He is active in Jazz Education and frequently appears as a guest artist and adjudicator at festivals throughout the US.

Although membership in the Jazz Ensembles is through audition, all are encouraged to try out; auditions are held on the first Monday of every quarter, including Summer Session. If you would like information about auditions, performance schedules, or available recordings, please contact the Fine Arts Division office at 650-949-7262, or Email us!

Enrollment is open to all qualified musicians in the community.