Our 'weekend workouts' aim to provide an opportunity for players to develop their band related skills and to showcase their progress through periodic concerts. Specifically, the aim is to encourage the development of some or all of the following:
- The ability to work with other musicians in combo & large ensemble settings
- Sectional playing
- Listening skills
- Reading Skills
- Communication skills
- Timing and rhythm skills
- Relevant theoretical knowledge and its practical application
- Improvisational skills - includes soloing, comping...
- Stylistic awareness and its practical application to genres including Jazz, Blues, Latin, Rock and Funk...
- Technical development
The service is currently aimed at players who have enough technical ability on their instrument (equivalent to Grade 3 minimum) but would like to develop skills, knowledge and experience in some or all of the areas outlined above. Anyone aged 12 - 70+ is eligible to apply to join. For instance, 'horn' players from either Classical or Brass Band backgrounds may regard this as an opportunity to transition to the world of Popular music; including the styles already mentioned. This opportunity should also appeal to 'rhythm' section instruments such as guitar, keyboard, bass, drum kit and percussion.
Details:
- Each calendar date will consist of 3.5 hours (9.30am - 1pm) and will break down as follows:
- 9.30am - 11.30am: small band improvisation including technical warm ups and other supporting exercises.
- 11.30am - 1pm: sectional and large ensemble playing: rhythm section and horns
note: around 5 x lead sheets and 5 x large ensemble scores will be looked at per term as the basis for classes and will work towards an end of year concert performance.
link to AM/PM BLOCK scenario