The Northwestern College Jazz Ensemble, directed by John S. Herlihy, seeks to glorify God in every aspect of their music and life together in Christian community. The ensemble performs with excellence the highest level of jazz and big band repertoire available. They perform several concerts throughout the year, including a concert with a prominent jazz artist in the spring semester.

The Jazz Ensemble continues in the pursuit of musical excellence, within the environment of a Christian liberal arts education. The 20-member ensemble repeatedly demonstrates the ability to rise to the high demands of this challenging art form.