The UCLA Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra uses the jazz big band format plus several Latin percussion instruments and is designed for students in the Global Jazz Studies IDP. This class helps students to fulfill the global jazz studies degree requirements and is designed to train the students to become professional jazz musicians.

Occasionally there are openings in the UCLA Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra for advanced-level UCLA student musicians who play instruments that are not covered by jazz studies students. There is an audition in the fall.