He currently directs the Criterions Big Band and Latin Jazz Ensemble. Before joining the faculty at WCU, Dr. Jacoby was on the faculty of the VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, he played with many of the regions salsa and latin-jazz groups including the Grammy nominated Orquesta 911 mambo big band. He also co-founded the Orquesta Dos Claves, a latin-jazz big band and workshop for Chicago area youth. The ensemble performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Illinois Music Educator's Association Conference, Hot House's Jazz en Clave Festival, Chicago Historical Society, Harold Washington Cultural Center, and school jazz festivals around the region.