Interactions Jazz Ensemble

Many events on campus and off campus utilize the Interactions Jazz Ensemble. The group is available in various sizes from trio on up to a small big-band group. The group plays jazz from “standards” to Dixieland to modern arrangements. It can provide background music or be the main attraction. We play for indoor events ranging from cocktail hours to dinners and dances to the Irvine Barclay Theater stage. Outdoor events include picnics and barbeques. A happy group, Interactions will dress for any event from formal to Hawaiian shirts.

Irvine Barclay Theater

Anthill Pub & Grille

University Club

The group is made up of people mostly with strong UC Irvine connections. Many of the players are faculty, students, or graduates of the UC Irvine music program. Current players in the group include:




Roger McWilliams,
tenor and soprano sax, Physics & Astronomy faculty




Sam Gilmore,
piano and keyboards, Sociology faculty


Jerry Mandel tenor and soprano sax, President of Orange County Performing Arts Center

Hal Moore baritone sax and bass clarinet, Chemistry faculty emeritus



David Cuccia
alto sax,
Biomedical Engineering graduate student



Jim McGaugh
clarinet and alto sax,
Neurobiology & Behavior faculty

String Bass:
Ryan Rost,
Music graduate;
Martin Torres,
Music graduate;
Jason Wilkins,
Music student



Ken Husbands
guitar,
French graduate student



Matt Lesser, percussion,
Music graduate

Black & white photos courtesy of Alex Lombardi, University Club (http://www.uclub.uci.edu) photos courtesy of Drew Chesen.

For bookings and further information, please contact Roger McWilliams at 949-378-2718 or mcw@uci.edu

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