Interim Director of Jazz Studies Tim Powell brings together the UMD Jazz Ensemble, UMD Jazz Lab Band and the University Jazz Band in innovative interpretations of classic and contemporary jazz works including Windows by Chick Corea, Bloom by Radiohead and State Line Strut by Ellen Rowe.

The School of Music’s jazz ensembles are comprised of more than 100 students. The UMD Jazz Ensemble is one of only three elite bands invited to perform annually at the UDC Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival, one of the most anticipated events on Washington, D.C.'s jazz calendar and frequently broadcast on the BET Network. Combos and big bands also perform outreach concerts at regional schools and venues such as the National Archives, D.C. Public Library and National Building Museum, as well as at campus events such as Maryland Day, galas and commencement activities.