Big Bands
Westminster has three auditioned Big Bands for students in Years 7 – 12 who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or rhythm section instruments. Each band operates as a chamber ensemble with only one student per part, so members must be confident, skilled and willing to improve. Students must join a core ensemble before auditioning, making these positions competitive. All Big Bands perform at a high-level relative to the players' years of experience.
Big Bands provide opportunities for students to develop practical skills in a variety of Big Band styles, including but not limited to, swing, Latin, bossa nova, and funk. Being in Big Band requires regular rehearsal and a desire to learn how to improvise. Big Bands also aim to develop students’ musicianship skills, as well as their understanding of the role they play within the ensemble. There are at least three performances per year, including involvement in the SASBOF competition. Big Band 1 and 2 also attend the Generations in Jazz Festival. Along with this, participation in several concerts such as Music Night occur.
Big Band 1 rehearses every Tuesday morning from 7.20am – 8.40am, with sectionals being held on either Thursday or Friday lunchtime. Big Band 2 and 3 rehearse every Wednesday morning from 7.20am – 8.40am, with Big Band 2 holding student-led sectionals in Term 1 leading up to the Generations in Jazz performance. Auditions are held in Term 4 of each year, with each ensemble beginning rehearsals at the end of the year, and then re-starting in Term 1, week 1 or 2.
Students will be required to arrive at 7.15am, ready for a 7.20am start. They are to bring their instrument to every rehearsal, appropriate equipment, music and a pencil. Students are expected to attend every rehearsal and if there is an unforeseen absence, they are required to contact the ensemble director prior to the rehearsal starting.