Left Bank Big Band, USC Jazz’s premier ensemble, has been invited to compete in the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship, hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center, on January 17-18, 2026. 

Under the direction of Dr. Matthew White, Left Bank Big Band will face off against nine esteemed university jazz programs from across the country, including invitees from Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY), Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI), Northwestern University (Evanston, IL), The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH), and the University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX). 

“We are incredibly honored by this recognition of USC as one of the premier collegiate jazz programs in the country. This is a testament to the amazing work of our students and the support of our administration and faculty in believing in our mission to be South Carolina’s leaders in jazz education and engagement,” says Dr. White, associate professor and chair of Jazz Studies at USC. 

Each band will perform three selections, including pieces from the Jazz at Lincoln Center “Blue Engine” and Essentially Ellington libraries, in the Rose Theater. This event will showcase the high caliber of competition and inspire pride in our students. 

In celebration of the excellence and achievements of the next generation of jazz musicians, the event will feature big band and combo competitions, as well as mentorship opportunities with members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. 

“I am so proud of our students at USC Jazz. Their dedication to jazz music is evident through their work within our state and beyond, inspiring the next generation of leaders. I proudly look forward to representing USC and South Carolina at Jazz at Lincoln Center in January 2026,” says Dr. Colleen Clark, associate professor of Jazz Studies. 

A jazz combo she directs, the Clark Combo, will perform during the event’s jazz combo showcase.