Jazz "A" Band
The CSUN Jazz "A" Band is recognized as one of the finest college jazz bands in the nation. The band's recordings are heard on jazz radio stations around the world and have received rave reviews. The newest recording, "CSUN Originals II - Rain Song" was released in 2008 and is the Jazz Program's second album to exclusively feature student arrangements and compositions.
The award-winning CSU Northridge Jazz "A" Band regularly performs at major music festivals including the Monterey and Reno Jazz Festivals. The band has been featured at the conferences of the California Music Educator's Association (CMEA) as well as the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) and has toured the Far East, Australia, and Europe.
Guest artists with the band include Randy Brecker, Bill Perkins, Bob Florence, Alex Iles, Clay Jenkins, Vince Mendoza, Bob Sheppard, Gordon Goodwin, George Stone, Bob McChesney, Ron Stout, Peter Erskine, Dave Holland, Gary Foster, Bobby Shew, Fred Sturm, and many others
- The 2008 and 2010 Monterey "Next Generation" Jazz Festival College Big Band Award Winners
- 2005 and 2006 1st place Collegiate Jazz Ensemble - Reno Jazz Festival - Reno, Nevada
- The flagship jazz ensemble of the CSU Northridge Jazz Studies Program