Drake University Jazz 1

Drake University’s Jazz Ensemble One, under the direction of the Fred and Patty Turner Professor of Jazz Studies, Andrew Classen, is the University’s premier jazz ensemble.

Drake Jazz One tours regionally every year.  They have won the collegiate division at the UW-Eau Claire Jazz festival all 8 times we attended. They tour internationally every four years.  In 2018 Drake Jazz One went to China and performed for the Ambassador in the US embassy.  They have also performed in England, Holland, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

Andrew Classen is originally from St. Paul, and was a freelance trumpet player in the Twin Cities before being hired at Drake University.