Aim of the course To help you to develop the musical skills that will enable you to become an improved big band ensemble player and improviser. You will leave at the end of the weekend with a greater understanding of the practical processes of creating big band jazz music and a clear idea of what to practice and how to practice. How the course is run
The course is run on a non-competitive basis, so that everyone - whatever your level of ability or experience - gets the maximum benefit from the weekend. Each delegate is given the same level of attention. The tutors are concerned to ensure that the course is enjoyable and non-stressful, and that each student is allocated to parts appropriate to their level of ability.
Who should attend
The course caters equally for adult beginners and experienced professionals. This is achieved by careful grading on the first day to determine your level of instrumental ability so that you can be placed in positions that will work best for you and have fun!
- If you are a relative beginner to jazz, so long as you have a good basic grasp of your instrument, you will benefit from this course. Don't feel that you won't be 'good enough' for the course - it's there to assist you!
- If you have been playing for several years, this course will help you to refresh your playing and advance it to a higher level.
- This course is ideal for teachers teaching (or wanting to teach) in the jazz idiom either in the classroom or in a big band setting.
Extra-mural activities
Students can use the main room or bedroom facilities for practice and jamming after sessions until 9.00pm. On Friday & Saturday evening there will be an informal jam session for those who wish to take part. And this year we will be hosting a 'Sunday Jazz Lunch' where the big band and smaller groups will perform what they have been working on to a room full of jazz loving lunchers!
Instruments
With the exception of pianos / keyboards and amplification, instruments are not provided. Apart from pianists, students should bring their own instruments and music stands. Bassists and guitarists should also bring portable amplifiers, multi-way power sockets and guitar cables. We can help drummers from overseas to hire a drum set for the weekend. Delegates are welcome to record classes for their own personal use only, and may wish to bring a cassette recorder, mini-disc recorder or similar device. Bring plenty spare batteries, cassettes or discs.
Download the Booking Form for the 2011 Weekend here