Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Chuck Tumlinson, consistently receives high scores and acclaim at major west coast jazz festivals. They have been featured on a live radio broadcast across North America as part of the Playboy Jazz Festival, and in 1991 and 1992 won the Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival competing against groups from 50 colleges and universities in seven western states. Jazz combos receive high marks as well, with CSUF's top combo recently winning the 2004 and 2006 Reno College Jazz Festival. Jazz Ensemble I has performed, by invitation, at many leading Southern California festivals and events. They have produced four award-winning recordings and are currently at work on a fifth.

In addition to Jazz Ensemble I, the department boasts two other jazz ensembles which provide opportunities for additional students to participate in this exciting and growing program. Jazz Ensembles II and III also present concerts throughout the year.