Big Band for Grown Ups at Jazz Academy

Have big band / instrumental ensemble experience? None at all? Did you play an instrument in high school and interested in picking it up again? Do you teach instrumental music and wish to increase your skills in the big band genre? Then this is the opportunity for you.

This ensemble is open to anyone interested in exploring influential big band music– Ellington, Basie and Kenton. This class will concern itself with “approachable” works from the enormous libraries of these three bands and will be high school level unless the participants are able to do more!

No experience in the genre is required, but traditional big band instrumentation is critical to the success of the group. Euphonium, horn and other instruments may be allowed in as trombone substitutes. Woodwind players will be asked to play saxophone. The rhythm section will adhere to the traditional complement of guitar, piano, bass and drums....

read more

Have big band / instrumental ensemble experience? None at all? Did you play an instrument in high school and interested in picking it up again? Do you teach instrumental music and wish to increase your skills in the big band genre? Then this is the opportunity for you.

This ensemble is open to anyone interested in exploring influential big band music– Ellington, Basie and Kenton. This class will concern itself with “approachable” works from the enormous libraries of these three bands and will be high school level unless the participants are able to do more!

No experience in the genre is required, but traditional big band instrumentation is critical to the success of the group. Euphonium, horn and other instruments may be allowed in as trombone substitutes. Woodwind players will be asked to play saxophone. The rhythm section will adhere to the traditional complement of guitar, piano, bass and drums.

Participating teachers earning continuing education credit will be invited to direct a tune or two in addition to playing in the group. Other listening, written and teaching assignments may be necessary to fulfill requirements of accreditation.

Once minimum registration is met, charts will be sent to participants for review and “practice” before rehearsals begin. In addition to the evening rehearsals, participants will perform at JazZoo prior to the Columbus Jazz Orchestra on July 22nd.
our improvisational skills!

show less