Introduction to Big Band playing

If you have a minimum of five years' playing experience on your instrument, apply for our apprentice band. This is an excellent way to improve your sight-reading and ensemble playing.

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Key course information

Dates
24/09/11 - 30/06/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
30 weeks

Time
13:30 - 15:15

Fees
Full fee: £310
Senior fee: £189
Concession: £93

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
ME636*

Availability
Contact department

This course is full

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Still got questions?
music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2630

Course outline

What is the course about?

Gain experience of rehearsing and playing (i.e. performing) as a member of a large ensemble, and as a member of a section within that ensemble. Improve your sight-reading and to develop playing ability. This will include the correct reading and interpretation of written music in styles of the evolving Big Band, as well as giving you the opportunity to develop your ability to improvise and take solos within the context of a Big Band.

What topics will we cover?

- Warm-ups
- Suitable arrangements for Big Bands from all sources
- Matters of style and Interpretation
- Basic improvisation and soloing
- Rehearsal techniques
- How to sight read more effectively.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Run through an effective warm-up
- Understand how an ensemble of this size operates and rehearses
- Improve sight reading and ability to rehearse effectively
- Take part in performances
- Demonstrate typical Big band repertoire.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Minimum entry standard: ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent. You should have 3 or 4 years playing experience including some ensemble or small group playing. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Lesson will be as for band rehearsals and will include playing warm-ups, section rehearsal, working on specific parts of arrangements and then full play-throughs as well as some sight-unseen playing and improvising.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Students must provide their own instrument, except in the case of drums, double bass, piano and amplifiers, which The City Lit is able to provide.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. This will be apparent by the student showing an improvement in their ability to participate effectively in a) the rehearsal of new repertoire b) the performance of a piece that has been rehearsed throughout the term c) playing a piece not seen before.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Students may become eligible to join the City Lit Big Band and will acquire skills that will be useful, even indispensable, in a range of performing and rehearsing situations.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Music

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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