Jazz Bands & Ensembles

A special feature of Jazz Workshop is the chance to play in one of our jazz combos, other small ensembles, or even a big band. Jazz is meant to be played with other people, and here you have the chance to do just that, whatever your age or experience. Our bands are available for hire, as part of our performance program for our students. Call or email for details.

A jazz combo is a small band, of up to ten musicians. At Jazz Workshop the combos rehearse once per week, tutored by one of our top class professionals. 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.

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.

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!

Bands and other ensembles we offer are:

• Big Band 1 (Thursdays 6:45 - 8:45)
• Big Band 2 (Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:15)
• String ensemble (Thursdays)
• Saxophone ensemble (Tuesdays)
• Introductory Jazz combo (Saturdays)
• Jazz combo (Saturdays)
• Advanced Jazz combo (Saturdays)
• Uni students Jazz combo (Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:30 when in session)
• Adult Jazz combo (Mondays 6:30 - 7:30pm and 7:30-8:30pm)

Big Band 1

ages 25 and under

Thursdays 6:45pm - 8:30pm

Directed by Saul Richardson

The Jazz Workshop Australia Big Band is an 18 piece ensemble aimed at talented and motivated young musicians. It is ideal for people who played at school, and want to keep going in a band in which the focus is on musical excellence. It is also open to talented school aged students who would like to challenge themselves in a band made up of musicians from many different areas. This is ideal for anyone who needs more than their school band can offer.

The JWA Big Band provides the opportunity to play in a well-directed ensemble with clear musical focus and exciting performances.

Membership is by audition. Contact us for details.

Cost: $200 per term ($150 per term for JWA students).

Big Band 2

ages 11 - 19

Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:15pm
Led by Saul Richardson

A big band for high school students who are keen to play in a large ensemble. As always, the focus is on achieving musical excellence. The band offers great rehearsals, a huge library of terrific music, exciting performances, the chance to work with many well known musicians and educators, and the opportunity to play with excellent musicians from many different schools in the Sydney area. We also have some good fun along the way too! Enquiries for all instruments welcome.

Membership is by audition, subject to availability. Contact us for details.

Cost: $200 per term ($150 per term for JWA students).

Introductory Combo

ages 10 - 14

Saturdays 4:45 - 5:45pm.
Led by Saul Richardson

The Introductory Combo program is for younger or less experienced players. Here we learn jazz style, small ensemble skills, and develop the fundamentals of jazz improvisation.

Places are limited to eight people

Cost: $275 per term (inc. GST)

Jazz Combos

ages 10 - 19

Saturdays 1:00, 2:15 and 3:30 (1 hour rehearsals). More groups can be formed as needed.
Led by Saul Richardson

The jazz combos are for students with previous experience playing in a small jazz ensembleand 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

These groups are for any combination of instrument. Placement in a group is by audition.

Cost: $275 per term (inc. GST)

Advanced Combo

ages 14+

Saturdays , time 12:00 - 1:00pm.
Led by Saul Richardson

Advanced Combo is 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)