Big Band Summer School | Benslow Music

About Big Band Summer School

Experience the joy of playing in a Big Band and work alongside a wide range of talented musicians and singers in this inspirational summer course taught by expert jazz leader Paul Eshelby. This course is part of the Benslow Jazz Summer School. We begin at 6.30pm on the first day and finish after breakfast on the final day.

What is the course about?

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to share in your love of the Big Band sound with expert coaching from Paul Eshelby. Paul has played with everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Phil Collins, Shirley Bassey and George Benson, and he’s worked with the BBC Big Band and BBC Radio Orchestra - so you’ll be in fantastic hands as he guides you through a range of glorious jazz and Big Band songs from the 1940s to today. You’ll also get the chance to work with singers from our Art of Jazz Vocals course here at Benslow, providing a wide-ranging experience of musical discovery. As part of the course you can enjoy A Night of Jazz with Paul Eshelby and his band on the Wednesday evening - tickets are included as part of the course.

What will you learn?

By the end of the course you will: Have played in a Big Band alongside a wide range of musicians and singers. Improve your jazz phrasing, understanding of basic improvisation skills and how to ‘swing’! Gain expert guidance from Paul Eshelby to elevate your playing. Feel more confident playing and performing in group settings. Meet and connect with like minded musicians and potential collaborators.

How will the course be taught?

We’ll work through a range of jazz, swing and other big band repertoire from the 1940s to today, led by our wonderful tutor Paul Eshelby. There’ll be time for sectional rehearsals where needed, as well as masterclasses from visiting coaches. You’ll also have the chance to work with jazz singers from our Art of Jazz Vocals course which is taking place at the same time here at Benslow, offering a truly wonderful experience to play through all kinds of music and collaborate with a range of musicians. We begin at 6.30pm on the first day and finish after breakfast on the final day.

Who is the course for?

We’re looking for players of the following instruments of Grade 6 standard and above: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass and drums. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as we need to balance each section of the band. You’ll need good sight-reading skills as we’ll all be learning the music together as we go. Piano and bass players will need to be able to read chord tabs as well as sheet music.

Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?

You don’t need to prepare anything in advance as we’ll learn the music all together as we go along. Please bring your instruments (excluding drums and piano). For bass and guitar players, please bring your amps. Brass and sax players might want to build up your embouchure and mouth strength as it’s an intensive course with a lot of playing.