Casper High School Jazz Band Performs with University

The Natrona County High School Big Band and University of Wyoming Jazz Combo teamed up for a joint showcase at CitiWerks Cafe.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Jazz

Casper High School Jazz Band Performs with University

The Natrona County High School Big Band performed alongside the University of Wyoming Jazz Combo at CitiWerks Cafe. This event marked the first concert for the high school ensemble this year.

Why it matters

Collaborative performances between high school and university musicians provide students with mentorship opportunities and exposure to advanced repertoire. These events bridge the gap between secondary and collegiate jazz education.

The performance featured compositions such as Jacques Prévert's 1945 standard Autumn Leaves and Alan Baylock's 2003 piece Two Seconds to Midnight. These works span decades of jazz history and technical composition.

The players

Natrona County High School Big Band

This is the primary student jazz ensemble representing the Casper-based high school.

University of Wyoming Jazz Combo

This musical group is composed of students from the state university's jazz program.

The details

The University of Wyoming Jazz Combo members integrated with the Natrona County High School Big Band to perform a series of collaborative arrangements. The groups also presented individual set lists to showcase their respective repertoires.

Jacques Prévert composed the jazz standard Autumn Leaves in 1945.
Alan Baylock composed the jazz work Two Seconds to Midnight in 2003.
The ensemble performance occurred on October 21, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This collaboration mirrors the outreach model common within the University of Wyoming jazz curriculum, which aims to integrate collegiate performance standards into the local high school circuit. Such initiatives help sustain the vitality of student-led jazz programs in regional communities.

Local jazz enthusiasts can attend these student showcases at community venues like CitiWerks Cafe to support emerging musicians. These collaborative performances offer a rare opportunity to hear high school talent paired with collegiate-level instruction.

The takeaway

Students looking to advance their musicianship can benefit from seeking out collaborative workshops that pair secondary schools with university programs. Participating in these cross-institutional performances provides invaluable real-world experience beyond the classroom.