In 1974 Dr.Kent Kidwell established a jazz ensemble at the University Of Central Oklahoma, named Central State University at the time. Before that time, there had been attempts at forming jazz groups. Some of the early attempts, though very successful, were usually short lived. Dr. Kidwell, with the help of administrative support, was able to establish the jazz program as an accredited part of the music curriculum. The very next year (1975) Dr. Kidwell's Jazz Ensemble received top honors at the Wichita Jazz Festival. This festival hosted jazz bands from prominent music schools across the country. From that point on, the jazz studies program at UCO has grown from one 20 piece jazz band to our current program, which include three 20 piece jazz bands and numerous small jazz groups. Since 1975 our jazz ensembles, combos, dixieland groups, and individual jazz students have received numerous awards and honors for their outstanding performances at jazz events throughout the United States and Europe.