The Generation Big Band brings together excellence across all generations of the Yorkshire jazz community. Founded in January 2017, the band consists of alumni who are working professionally in the music industry, existing LCoM students as well as up-and-coming young musicians.
The band is directed by trumpeter, Mark Chandler, a stalwart in the jazz world. With performances with artists such as Shirley Bassey, George Michael, Gladys Knight and Nancy Wilson and West End shows including Cats, Guys and Dolls and Starlight Express, Mark has the expert knowledge to equip musicians with the skills and knowledge needed for the music industry.
The band will rehearse on Saturday afternoons at Leeds College of Music on the following dates:
25 January, 1, 8, 15, 29 February, 7, 14, 21 March 2019; 2pm - 4pm
Performance date: Thursday 26 March 2019
Generation Big Band is part of LCoM's Widening Participation in Jazz programme supporting young people from their first steps in jazz through to higher education. In 2018/19 we received funding from Ronnie Scott's Charitable Foundation to support this work. Over the last two years we have been delighted to see 5 young people gain places to study music in higher education.
Our inaugural Generation Big Band project in 2016/17 was a huge success. Watch our video of the band, featuring Olivia and Joe talking about their experience playing with GBB.
Through the audition process we are excited about reaching out to the younger jazz community and bringing together musicians who are passionate about improvising. Whilst places will be limited, this is a chance to connect with you, so please apply for an audition if you are interested – it might lead to other things.
We are looking for talented musicians up to the age of 18 to join this project. We would expect to receive applications from students aged 14+, although if you are younger and of a high standard on your instrument, please do apply.
Auditions will be held on Saturday 30 November 2019 between 2 and 4PM. Applications must be received by 12PM on 20 November 2019. There is no audition fee.
Auditionees will be asked to play as part of a small ensemble along with a rhythm section of LCoM students. Rhythm section auditionees will play as part of a rhythm section. Music will be provided to read, including a chord progression to improvise over.
We currently have no space for any more drummers to audition, but please apply and we will keep you on the waiting list.
One of the best things about studying at a conservatoire is that our tutors are artists and industry professionals… https://t.co/bFTjRUo613
