The UC Merced Swing Music Ensemble is a big band under the direction of ethnomusicologist Jayson Beaster-Jones. The two-credit course (GASP 30c) is open to all student musicians who play a big-band appropriate instrument, and is repeatable for credit. Students learn to play music in the swing band tradition (repertoire changes from semester to semester). The ensemble also helps arrange regular Swing Dance Parties both on and off campus. The group collaborates closely with the Swing Dance Ensemble.