In 1974 Dr. Kent Kidwell established
a jazz ensemble at the University Of Central Oklahoma, named
Central State University at the time. Before that time, there
had been attempts at forming jazz groups. Some of the early
attempts, though very successful, were usually short lived.
Dr. Kidwell, with the help of administrative support, was
able to establish the jazz ensemble as an accredited part
of the music curriculum.
The very next year (1975) Dr. Kidwell's Jazz Ensemble received
top honors at the Wichita Jazz Festival. This festival hosted
jazz bands from prominent music schools across the country.
From that point on, jazz studies at UCO has grown from one
20 piece jazz ensemble to its current state, which includes
three large jazz ensembles and numerous small groups.
Since 1975, UCO jazz ensembles, combos, dixieland groups,
and individual students have received numerous awards and
honors for outstanding performances at events throughout
the United States and Europe.
New UCO History In The Making:
March 13-16, 2002:
Click on the picture to view images from our grand
opening week program!
