Dance Band

Foxtrots, quicksteps, waltzes, rumbas, cha cha chas and sambas. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy, and experience from the player’s point of view, the sound and style of strict tempo Ballroom and Latin music from the 1930s to 1950s using published (“stock”) arrangements. Trumpets, trombones, saxes (perhaps doubling clarinet), violins, guitar, double bass, drums and even (at Roger’s discretion) the odd singer, will enjoy rehearsing favourite standards and neglected gems, exploring the dancers’ needs and authentic style, as well as the universal skills of the ensemble musician.

Please note that applications from drummers and singers will be referred to Roger before acceptance.

Strict tempo Ballroom and Latin music from the 1930s to 1950s.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Tune, blend, balance and keep time with up to 16 other players, playing (except for violins) one to a part.
• Navigate through a typical Dance Band arrangement.
• Understand the significance of the term Strict Tempo, and appreciate that music which is easy listening is not always easy to play!

Taught through rehearsing a selection of arrangements of popular songs of the period.

Confident, skilful musicians.

Players with fairly good sight reading and the ability to play syncopated rhythms. For violinists, the ability to play in a small section alongside louder instruments.

Music will not be available in advance, but it will be provided by the tutor on the course.

You will need to bring your instrument(s), mutes for brass, a pencil and a sense of humour.