Big-band-skool is an enterprise that’s been ‘cooking’ since early 2013. For more than ten years, it has been gently simmering away until now when it feels like the time is right to take the next step in offering both a service and ‘products’ regards all things big band.
‘Big Band’ can mean different things to different people; so let’s be clear: it is not a musical style, though there are styles such as Swing that may have an association with it. In fact ‘Big Bands’ can tap into a wide range of musical genres. And whilst the term ‘Big Band’ is often used to refer to a particular format with its own history, it could just mean…a big band!
Big Band Skool alludes to the traditional conception of a big band in its lineup; but neither is it restricted to it. And whilst the format’s musical heritage can be acknowledged, it isn’t necessary to remain there: different musical styles can be tapped into. Indeed, since the Swing era circa 30’s to 45, prominent big band leaders alongside their composers and arrangers have tried to push things along: keep the format ‘relevant’.
So what’s the big deal about big bands? In an age when technology encroaches upon many aspects of life and threatens to make humans redundant, even within the field of music, big bandskool represents a fight back against that trend. A big band offers a ton of possibilities for composers and arrangers of the medium: offering unique sounds that surpass what technology can do. As a visual spectacle, nothing can replace the experience of watching humans interact in a performance setting. And it is also about building musical communities that interact to create something amazing. Perhaps a good metaphor for the world at large?
On this part of the BSK website, you will find things that are relevant to big bands. Feel free to browse around. Furthermore, training band rehearsals are now being offered in the Northwest of England and in the Central belt of Scotland; which you are welcome to join.
If you don’t live in the UK, then no matter: ultimately there should be enough stuff on this site to keep you interested. Watch this space…
Check out DGKollective – a professional big band that was set up some time ago.
speak soon.
Andrew T
