Jazz Foundations Spring 2017
Event description
We offer two Thursday Jazz Foundations sessions:
- 6.15 – 7.45pm: Intermediate
- 8.00 – 9.30pm: Intermediate – Advanced
Jazz Foundations offers a chance to blow through and rehearse new arrangements of great compositions in a mixture of jazz styles from Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman to Tom Harrell, Stan Kenton and Benny Carter with maybe the odd bit of Shakatak thrown in for good measure. Our specially devised and arranged charts are adapted to suit the instrumentation of the groups and offer solo opportunities for all who want to take them. Sessions take place in a friendly and supportive atmosphere in the Education Rooms above the main venue at Band on the Wall. New members are very welcome.
“The course is an enjoyable learning experience where musicians who enjoy jazz come together to learn and practice the skills needed to improve their playing.” – Course participant
Please note that we can provide a drum kit, hand percussion, a keyboard and a vocal mic with small PA. Rhythm section players (bass, drums, keys) may be required to play alternate numbers if the group has more than one of each subscribed.
Intermediates are players who have at least two years of playing experience, who play with confidence, understand music notation (essential for horn players) and have basic skills regarding an approach to improvisation. The aim is to build improvisation skills and practice reading notated charts in a large group setting. Participants will be:
- working on basic melodic and harmonic content
- learning how to construct a solo over a given tune
- learning about II-V-I sequences, and tonal centres
Intermediate – Advanced players are those who play and read music with confidence, have played jazz for more than two years and have reached a moderate standard of playing in groups and jazz ensembles, have basic reading skills and some knowledge of improvising over a given tune.
Participants will be:
- learning how to blend in ensemble playing.
- extending improvisation skills
“…very relaxed, so nobody should have any fears or inhibitions if they are not yet a highly accomplished musician.” – Course participant
If you are unsure which class you should be in, sign up for one and we can switch where necessary.
This is a ten week course of rehearsals plus a performance for those that are up for it!
This course is brought to you by Brighter Sound and Band on the Wall.
If you have any queries please email tim@brightersound.com
Additional event information
Full course dates: Thurs: 19, 26 Jan. 2, 9, 16 Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Mar.
Times: Intermediate 6.15 – 7.45pm. Intermediate-Advanced 8 – 9.30pm
Performance: Sun Apr 2 at 8pm, Band on the Wall. FREE ENTRY
Venue: Education Room 1 at Band on the Wall