We put together an “all-star” big band to play for a Parramatta Rotary club function. It was at the Holiday Inn at Parramatta. Everyone in the band was a member of our combos (except for one last-minute substitute, Thanks Lee). It was a 13-piece ‘little big band’ format, playing specially arranged or adapted music. It […]
Tag Archives | stage band

Why you need more than just big band
By JWA on February 24, 2017 in Advice, articles, For adult students, For band directors, For Parents, For Teachers, for teens, for upper primary, HSC Music, Improvisation
From time to time we meet young musicians who are about to finish high school and aspire to study at one of the reputable tertiary jazz schools but are taken aback and disappointed when they don’t get past the audition. Why not? After all, they were one of the best musicians at their school, even […]
Building a great band: Part 1 for students and parents
By JWA on June 7, 2012 in Advice, articles, For Parents, for teens, for upper primary, JWA Students, Uncategorized
Achieving excellence in jazz band performance By Saul Richardson: Principal at Jazz Workshop Australia, Lecturer in Jazz Pedagogy at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Chief Conductor Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra, Yamaha Festival jazz adjudicator. Part 1: For Students and Parents If you are a member of a jazz ensemble (often called “stage band”, “big band”, “jazz […]