The University of Minnesota Morris is steeped in the tradition and innovation of high-quality jazz music. Large jazz ensembles and combos form the basis of the jazz program at UMN Morris. Jazz ensembles are open to all students. By participating in a jazz ensemble, you’ll not only further your knowledge of jazz and contemporary music, you’ll be able to fine-tune your musicianship, communication, and leadership skills through rehearsing, performing, and recording.
The jazz program also includes course offerings in jazz improvisation and theory, instrumental instruction, and jazz history and repertoire, along with individual instruction in both advanced improvisation and modern music composition.
Beginning fall 2024, UMN Morris will offer instruction in commercial music. This includes a music production class (in a new, all-Mac powered music tech lab), a songwriting class, and a commercial music combo. You’ll be able to acquire skills in both jazz and 21st century music industry trends.
To Participate
UMM Jazz Ensembles (both large and small groups) are open to music majors, minors, and all UMM students and occasionally members of the local community. We play fun music which allows for musicians of all levels to have fun and play in a professional sounding jazz band. The UMM music discipline maintains a selection of instruments you can use, especially those larger or more expensive instruments. Please contact the director for questions about using a school instrument or scheduling an audition time/meeting.
Director
UMM Morris alumni Dustin Retzlaff returned to Morris in the Fall of 2025 to direct the Jazz Ensembles and annual UMM Jazz Fest. He teaches courses in jazz studies, double bass, composition, and also is the director of the AgCountry Challenge youth program at UMM. Mr. Retzlaff is an active jazz performer in the region, and studied music at the University of Minnesota, the University of South Carolina School of Music, and the University of Northern Colorado. He is also a Registered Piano Technician and has trained at the Steinway & Sons piano factory in NYC. Prior to returning to the Morris area, he ran several small businesses and performed in many jazz festivals, private concerts, studio recording sessions, and many jazz clubs in South Carolina and other cities on the Atlantic coast.