The goal of the Charles Mingus Ensemble is to provide a workshop environment where students from the jazz, world, and classical disciplines can learn to successfully integrate compositional and improvisational musical traditions. Mingus’ indelible footprint as a bandleader/composer/bassist was further enhanced when he developed a platform to advance many of his ideas through his jazz workshop. The UCLA Charles Mingus Ensemble will utilize many of his musical approaches to develop interpretations of Mingus’ compositions and other great jazz composers along with compositions outside of the jazz canon. The UCLA Charles Mingus Ensemble will employ improvisational styles within and outside of common jazz performance practice. Student compositions and arrangements will also be encouraged.