Homeschool Big Band (Grand Rapids)
These ensembles are patterned after the American Big Band tradition similar to the bands of the swing era, such as Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Instrumentation is based around 5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets and a rhythm section. The rhythm section consists of bass, piano, drums, and guitar. Instrumentation is somewhat flexible. Emphasis will be on learning the melody to several standard songs and learning to improvise stylistically around these melodies. Auditions are required to determine placement and will be held the week before class begins. A preparatory class will be held two weeks before class begins. Big Band players must also be enrolled in a WMHFA band or orchestra.
Required Jazz Festival Dates (will be updated as dates become available):
WMHFA Winter and Spring Concerts
CMU Jazz Festival February 7, 2020
WMU Jazz Festival March 21, 2020
MSU Jazz Festival April 18, 2020
TAC Jazz Festival April 23-25, 2020 (date TBD)
These ensembles are patterned after the American Big Band tradition similar to the bands of the swing era, such as Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Instrumentation is based around 5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets and a rhythm section. The rhythm section consists of bass, piano, drums, and guitar. Instrumentation is somewhat flexible. Emphasis will be on learning the melody to several standard songs and learning to improvise stylistically around these melodies. Auditions are required to determine placement and will be held the week before class begins. A preparatory class will be held two weeks before class begins. Big Band players must also be enrolled in a WMHFA band or orchestra.
Required Jazz Festival Dates (will be updated as dates become available):
WMHFA Winter and Spring Concerts
CMU Jazz Festival February 7, 2020
WMU Jazz Festival March 21, 2020
MSU Jazz Festival April 18, 2020
TAC Jazz Festival April 23-25, 2020 (date TBD)
