The NECC Jazz Rock Ensemble performing during last winter’s show.

An increase in music program enrollment has introduced a more diverse range of musical talents to the college in recent years, and the Jazz/Rock Ensemble makes that clear. The Jazz/Rock Ensemble, one of three ensembles available to music majors, has seen more students transferring to world-renowned music colleges than ever before. Among those in the 2016 graduating class is bass guitarist Richard Wildes of Haverhill, who will be attending Berklee College of Music in the fall.

The Jazz/Rock Ensemble performs concerts throughout the year under the direction of Professor Michael Lecuyer. Generally consisting of five to ten music students, the group plays a range of jazz standards in many sub genres, including bebop, ballads, Latin, Afro-Cuban, modal, and fusion. Ensemble students are required to meet for credit and perform both at the college and at local community functions. The group recently performed at the Women of NECC’s June Open House fundraiser, where they received rave reviews.

To learn more about enrolling at Northern Essex for the fall, visit the website or contact Enrollment Services at, admissions@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3700.