Fall 2026 (3 sections)
| Age | Adult |
| Event Type | Class |
| Department | Ensembles |
| Day | Tue |
| Instructor | Dillon Vado |
| Status | inperson event |
Expand your skills in jazz improvisation and ensemble performance. Building on the foundation of Jazz Ensemble 1, this class is designed for instrumentalists with prior ensemble experience and a working knowledge of jazz improvisation. Ideal for students looking to deepen their fluency with jazz standards and related repertoire, the ensemble emphasizes creativity, interaction, and musical growth in a collaborative environment.
Participants will receive guidance on:
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Rhythm section roles and responsibilities
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Stylistic versatility across jazz subgenres
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Improvisation techniques and vocabulary
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Ensemble listening and interaction
Sections
Section 1
Tuesdays 6:30–8 pm
9/22–12/1
No class 11/24
Performance: 12/8
Section 2
Tuesdays 8:15–9:45 pm
9/22–12/1
No class 11/24
Performance: 12/8
Section 3
Tuesdays 4:30–6 pm
9/22–12/1
No class 11/24
Performance: 12/8
Dillon Vado, $475
(in-person)
Important Notes
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All ensembles culminate in a live, free performance.
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Please confirm you can attend the performance date before registering.
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A placement audition is required for new students.
How to Register
Please complete the online Ensemble Application Form below. Once we’ve received your application and, for new students, your audition recording, we’ll review your information and contact you to confirm placement. Once your placement is confirmed, we’ll send you a link to submit tuition payment. No payment is required until placement is confirmed.
Application form and audition guidelines:
Jazzschool Ensemble Application Form and Audition Guidelines
About Dillon Vado
As comfortable laying down Brazilian grooves on drum set as he is improvising with poets and dancers on vibraphone, Dillon Vado is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who makes music that is honest and inspired.
He is best known for co-leading the vibraphone-forward indie-jazz project Heart Matter, which celebrated its first sold-out show at the SFJAZZ Center in spring 2025, embarked on a West Coast tour in spring 2026, and is currently working on its debut album, Horizons.
Dillon draws inspiration from the many musical heroes and mentors he has been fortunate enough to share the stage with, including Brazilian composers Marcos Silva and Jovino Santos Neto; veteran improvisers Dave King (The Bad Plus), Art Lande, Hafez Modirzadeh, and Ben Goldberg; and recording engineer and pedal steel guitarist Bruce Kaphan (David Byrne, American Music Club).