A product of the 2020 COVID Pandemic, the Wolfpack Jazz Combo is the newest ensemble in the 380th Army Band. While only existing several months, the group is rooted in both jazz and military tradition. Drawing inspiration from internationally renowned jazz pianist and former Army musician Dave Brubeck, the Wolfpack Jazz Combo pays homage to Brubeck's trailblazing WWII era Army unit, the "Wolf Pack Band;" one of the first racially integrated units in the U.S. military (two decades before desegregation in the US). Working alongside the 80th Division Army Band (our lineage unit designator before being transferred to the 99th Readiness Division and becoming the 380th Army Band in 2018), Brubeck and our forefathers brought American Jazz to troops and locals throughout the European theater and they are honored to carry on that legacy today for American audiences.

The Wolfpack Jazz Combo carries a unique modular setup; meaning they can alter personnel and the group's size from a jazz trio for small spaces/low volume events to a for or 4-5 piece group for larger venues, up to the full 7 piece group for large indoor venues and festival style performances. Not simply a flexible instrumentation group, the members of the the Wolfpack Jazz are well versed in a variety of Jazz styles; capable of not simply performing jazz, but also, teaching jazz. From it's history, to style, to improvisational theory and section playing, the Wolf Pack Jazz combo frequently performs in junctions with Expert Teams from the 380th Army Band with local area schools and college music programs. As a community relations tool, the ensemble helps carry on Americas art form by both performing at a high level, but providing instruction and insight to the next generation of both musicians and audience members in an effort to ensure this great American aural tradition we call "Jazz" continues for years to come.

Sample Setlist

• So What-Miles Davis-Cool Jazz

• Spain-Chick Corea & Return to Forever-Fusion

• Strausbourg / St. Denis-Roy Hargrove-Neo Soul

• Take the A Train-Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn-Swing

• Alice in Wonderland-Fain / Hilliard / Brubeck-Jazz Waltz

• All The Things You Are-Jerome Kern-Swing

• Impressions-John Coltrane / Tyner / Brecker-Bebop

• In a Sentimental Mood-Duke Ellington / Eric Marienthal-Smooth Jazz Ballad

• Minor Crisis-SSG Tim Stuart-Fusion

• Mr. Clean-Freddie Hubbard / Roy Hargrove-Neo Soul

• Mr. PC-John Coltrane- Blues

• Recuerda Me-Joe Henderson-Latin

• Saga of Harrison Crabfeathers-Steve Kuhn-Avante Garde/Jazz Waltz

Instrumentation & Space Requirements

• Trio (6' x 8')

  • Drums, Bass, Piano or Guitar

  • Bass, Piano or Guitar, Horn

• Quartet/Quintet (10' x 12')

  • Drums, Bass, Piano/Sax, Guitar

  • Drums, Bass, Piano or Guitar, Two Horns

  • Drums, Bass, Piano, Guitar, One Horn

• Sextet/Septet (14' x 16')

  • Drums, Bass, Piano, Guitar, Two Horns

  • Drums, Bass, Piano, Guitar, Three Horns

Sextet/Septet Sound Reinforcement Requirements

• Drums (6 channels-Bass Drum, Snare, High Tom, Low Tom, 2 Overheads)

• Two Direct Boxes (Bass & Piano)

• Guitar Mic for Guitar Amplifier Cabinet

• 3 SM57 or equivalent Microphones

• 2 Monitor Mixes (Horns & Rhythm Section)

• 4 Monitors (Piano, Drums, Bass/Guitar, Horns)