City Lit Big Band

About this course

Sessions centre on rehearsing Big Band arrangements, with work on section playing, full-ensemble performance and musical interpretation. Participants practise sight-reading, warm up together, address specific parts of arrangements, improvise and complete full play-throughs. The repertoire includes arrangements from a range of sources, with opportunities to take short solos within the written music. Rehearsals also cover preparation and organisation for occasional performances.

What you'll learn

• Rehearse and perform complex Big Band arrangements.
• Improve ensemble playing through section and full-band work.
• Apply sight-reading skills to arrangements and rehearsals.
• Take short solos where the arrangements provide opportunities.
• Recognise typical Big Band repertoire and how a large ensemble operates.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for advanced players with a minimum of 10 years’ playing experience, including ensemble or small-group work. An ability to sight-read is specified, while jazz education is described as advantageous. Participation involves regular band rehearsals and occasional performances.

• A minimum of 10 years’ playing experience is stated.
• Previous ensemble or small-group playing is part of the stated experience.
• Jazz education is advantageous rather than identified as essential.

Before you go

• Participants must bring their own instrument.
• Piano, drum kit, amplifiers and music stands are supplied.