51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø is known in musical circles for its jazz combos and performances. Whether you're a jazz musician or just enjoy listening to their music, the combos at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø are constantly performing either on campus or in the community of Galesburg.

There are usually multiple combos on campus, including:

• The Cherry Street Combo can be seen each Thursday night playing at Jazz Night at The Galesburg Community Arts Center, within walking distance from the campus. Students who play in this combo also tour regularly.  Most recently, the combo released a professionally recorded album, Chameleon, in 2023 available on all streaming services 
• Beginning groups learn improvisational techniques
• Themed combos, often including a vocal jazz combo,
• 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Rocks bands explore more commercial genres

All combos meet weekly. Membership is open to any player or singer willing to learn improvisation and play in a group. Groups are formed at the beginning of each term according to ability. The Cherry Street Combo is by audition only, but all combo members are encouraged to regularly sit in on Thursday nights.

In addition to the jazz combos, The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Jazz Ensemble, one of the college's main jazz attractions, plays each year with other colleges like Notre Dame, Western Illinois University, and the University of Wisconsin. This ensemble also hosts the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Jazz Year, a year-round programming of concerts and educational outreach in the Galesburg Community.