Joining The Bands - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding Membership

Q) What do I have to do to join?
A) Telephone or email us here to arrange a chat or a visit. You may then be invited to a rehearsal to sit-in or just listen.

Q) Do I have to audition?
A) No, because auditions can be scary and counter-productive for young instrumentalists. However, an older student applying to one of the senior groups would need to prove over a period of time that they can cope at the required level.

Q) What instruments are catered for?
A) Standard swing ensemble instruments, i.e. Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Piano, Electric Guitar, Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Drum Kit, Latin Percussion and Voice.

Q) Am I expected to play solos and 'improvise' when I join?
A) Definitely not! Strong section players / readers are as important as the soloists in jazz / swing ensemble playing. However, students with a 'feel' for and an interest in soloing would benefit from jazz improvisation lessons at the Centre, but this is not compulsory.