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Saturday
Saturday
Saturday
26 April 2025 - 5 July 2025 ( 27.5 hours, 11 weeks )
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Waterloo Centre
A practical performing course for advanced players, with the additional opportunity for orchestra members to compose and arrange for the orchestra. Join in any term subject to tutor approval
As a member of the Orchestra, you will rehearse pieces selected from the unique Morley Jazz Orchestra library, and from time to time sight-read new pieces composed or arranged for the Orchestra by members or associates of Morley Jazz Orchestra. The Orchestra occasionally gives public concerts, both within Morley College and at other venues, offering live performing experience. Verbal feedback will be given by the tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At various points during the course both you and your tutor will be asked to assess in writing the progress you have made. Members are also encouraged to compose and/or arrange music for the Orchestra, with general guidance available from the tutor. This course is delivered on site in person, but with optional background resources available online via Moodle.
There are no formal requirements but members must be competent on their instruments and be able to read music to a good standard. Tutor approval is required prior to joining the Orchestra; you may be invited to ‘sit-in’ with the Orchestra on a "try-out" basis. Instrumentation of this ensemble is 5 saxophones (Alto/Tenor/Baritone), 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Drums, Bass (acoustic or electric), and guitar (amplified). Please note that (unusually for a "big band" line-up) there are no keyboard/piano parts. Membership of this ensemble normally operates on the basis of a single player on each part; in exceptional circumstances players may double-up on a part.
Due to the nature of the instruments/content of the course you might sometimes be exposed to high volume levels. We strongly encourage everyone to bring a pair of ear plugs to every lesson.
Your instrument, and a pencil (2B recommended). Music stands, drum kit, and backline are provided. Brass players are also encouraged to mutes as appropriate.
