Slide 11

Jazz Bands & Ensembles

 

Enrol Now

Jazz is meant to be played with other people, and at Jazz Workshop Australia you have the chance to do just that, whatever your age or experience. You can join a small jazz band (called combos) and/or a big band (sometimes known as stage bands). We have groups suitable for all levels of experience.

Our bands are available for hire, as part of our performance program for our students. Call or email for details.

We have two programs: the JWA combo program and the SYJO big band program, which we operate on behalf of Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra Inc. Association. When you apply to join one of the combos we will place you in the best one for you. The SYJO Big Band program is for the most talented and motivated young students, providing them with the opportunity to extend themselves in a group of like-minded peers. Entry to the Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra ensembles is by audition and/or invitation only for musicians aged under 30.

In our experience, students participating in jazz combo tend to do significantly better in school music than those who miss out. They also make enormous gains in self – confidence, instrumental technique, aural skills and musicianship.

A jazz combo is a small band, of up to ten musicians. It is really a flexible “combination” of instruments. At Jazz Workshop the combos rehearse once per week, tutored by one of our experienced teachers. Combos give you the chance to apply and put into practice the work and theory you learn with your teacher, and really give your playing a boost. This is an excellent way to dramatically improve your skills on your instrument, and to boost your self confidence.

A big band is a larger jazz group, usually 12 to 20 players. They are called “big bands” because, compared to most jazz bands, they are big! Of course, compared to a concert band or orchestra, they are still quite small. In a big band the emphasis is on playing carefully arranged pieces, each musician playing off a written part.

A standard Big Band has five saxes (2 altos, 2 tenors and one bari); four trumpets, four trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums. The line up in a combo is completely flexible, though most include bass and drums.

Also, to confuse things even more, some people still call this kind of group a “stage band”. this was actually a term invented in the USA in the early days of jazz education as a way of disguising the fact that students were playing jazz. Jazz was, at one time, banned from schools and universities and considered unsuitable for young people! Luckily such narrow-minded attitudes, based as they are in snobbery and racism, are less common today.

There is a discount for anyone taking private lessons and playing in a combo at Jazz Workshop.

Of course, you don’t have to study with one of our teachers to play in a combo. Musicians of all ages are welcome. Call or email today to join!

Here is a summary of the bands and other ensembles we offer. SYJO ensembles are by audition only, others are open to all, but depend on space permitting and standard of the group (read below for details):

  • SYJO (Thursdays 6:45 – 8:45)
  • SYJO2 (Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:15)
  • SYJO3 (Tuesdays 6:15 – 7:15)
  • Junior Combo (Thursdays)
  • Combo (Tuesdays)
  • JWA Academy Jazz combo (Saturdays)
  • JWA Academy Advanced Jazz combo (Saturdays)
  • Adult Jazz combo (Mondays 6:30 – 7:30pm and 7:30-8:30pm)

Enrol now in combo or SYJO big band

Jazz Combos

There are groups for all ages and levels. Various combos meet Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Places are generally limited to eight people. A combo can involve any “combination” of instruments, there are no set parts.

Cost: $275 per term (inc. GST)

  • Tuesdays 5:00 – 6:00pm
  • Thursdays 5:30 – 6:30 pm (for younger students)
  • Saturdays 10:00 – 11:00 am
  • Saturdays 2:00 – 3:00 pm (primary and junior high school students).
  • Saturdays 3:15 – 4:15 pm (advanced students)
  • Saturdays 4:30 – 5:30 pm (advanced students)

The groups are led by Saul Richardson, Richard Savery or Anna Okunev.

The JWA combos are for students to learn and develop their playing in a small jazz ensemble, and improvising in a jazz idiom. These groups work through a program designed to develop, reinforce, and enhance:

  • fundamental performance skills
  • self – confidence
  • instrumental technique
  • sophisticated ensemble skills
  • teamwork
  • understanding of jazz theory
  • appreciation of jazz history and styles
  • jazz improvisation
  • aural skills

Advanced Combos

  • Saturdays 3:30pm – 4:30pm
  • Saturdays 4:30pm – 5:30pm (Under 19s).

Led by Saul Richardson

Advanced Combos are for older players or more advanced players with a strong background in small group jazz playing and jazz improvisation. This band is designed to challenge and inspire the best young musicians. It covers advanced concepts and the hardest tunes. An ideal preparation for anyone considering auditioning for Jazz Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium or other tertiary institution.

Places are limited to eight people. By audition only.

Cost: $275 per term (inc. GST)

 

Combo for Adults

ages 18 +

Time: Monday evenings, 6:30-7:30pm and 7:30-8:30pm (2 groups)

Led by Brendan Clarke

No rehearsals during school holidays.

This course is for anyone over 18 who wants to learn how play in a jazz band, or further develop their skills, under the expert guidance of a leading jazz player and educator. As you play jazz standards you will learn about style, small ensemble playing, and improve your skills as an improvisor.

Places are limited. There are two groups, one for more advanced players

Cost: $275 for 1 term membership, call for late enrolment (no casual rate available)

Enrol now in combo or big band

 

Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra

ages 30 and under

Thursdays 6:45pm – 8:45pm

Directed by Saul Richardson

The Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra is an award winning 18 piece ensemble aimed at talented and motivated young musicians. It is ideal for young professional players to develop big band performance experience in an excellent group. It is also good for people who played at school, and want to keep going in a band in which the focus is on musical excellence. It is open, through audition, to talented musicians aged 30 or under who would like to challenge themselves in a band made up of outstanding musicians from the Sydney region. JWA runs SYJO on behalf of the Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra association. Visit the Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra website for more information.

 

SYJO2

Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:15pm

Led by Saul Richardson

The second of the SYJO big bands, generally for students ages 14 – 20 but by audition only.  Includes outstanding high school and university aged musicians interested in performing to a very high standard. SYJO2 serves as a training and proving ground for future SYJO members.

Membership is by audition, subject to availability. Contact SYJO for details info@syjo.org.

 

SYJO3

Tuesdays 6:15 – 7:15

Led by Saul Richardson

The junior SYJO big band, for junior high school and talented primary aged students. Entry is by invitation and or audition. SYJO3 serves as a preparation and feeder ensemble into the senior big bands. Musicians in this group will develop essential ensemble, performance, endurance and stylistic skills for jazz playing. This skill set will not only stand them in good stead to progress through the SYJO program, but also give them the opportunity to become formidable musicians in any other playing situation.

Membership is by audition, subject to availability. Contact SYJO for details info@syjo.org.