Festive Big Band: Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite
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About Festive Big Band: Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite
What better way to get into the festive spirit than with Duke Ellington’s delightful Big Band arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker? Become part of our Festive Big Band this December and celebrate in style, with a final concert open to family and friends.
What is the course about?
Experience the joy of playing in our Festive Big Band as we dive into the fabulous interpretations of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, created by one of the greatest jazz composers of all time: Duke Ellington. We’ll workshop the piece alongside other Christmas Big Band favourites, and, as the course finale we’ll celebrate with an hour-long concert on Sunday afternoon. Everyone is welcome - please feel free to invite your family and friends to join us.
What will you learn?
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Apply new knowledge and understanding of big band style and performance to your playing.
Listen and respond sensitively to others.
Bring greater confidence to your big band playing.
Win over an audience in the Sunday afternoon concert!
How will the course be taught?
We’ll play all together in a Big Band ensemble, with tutors Joy Ellis and Adam Osmianski offering coaching and advice throughout. We may arrange sectional rehearsals if needed.
Who is the course for?
We’re looking for players of the following instruments, who can read music to a good level to join the band: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, double or electric bass and drum kit. Piano players will need to be familiar with jazz piano chord voicings. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
We’ll share course materials and music with you around a month before the course so you have time to familiarise yourself with the music. If you can, please bring printed sheet music with you. If not, let us know at least two days before the start of the course so our team can supply. We recommend familiarising yourself with the music in advance so we can make the most of our time together on the course.
Course Tutors
Joy Ellis
Find out moreJoy Ellis is a jazz pianist, singer and composer based in London. Joy has toured all over the UK performing at various venues and festivals including…
Adam Osmianski
Find out moreAdam Osmianski is a drummer and percussionist from Pittsburgh, PA. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance and a Master of Music in Jazz…
