About

Participants in our Jazz Combos program are assigned to small ensembles, with consideration given to instrumentation, playing levels, and age. They explore jazz repertoire and learn the art of improvisation in weekly rehearsals and are given the opportunity to perform at various community events and concerts.

Details

Ages 12 and up

1-2 hours on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons/evenings during term time

 

Eligibility

It is a requirement of our funding that our participants are ACT residents. However, non-ACT residents can apply, understanding that placement preference is given to ACT residents.

Jazz Combos participants are strongly encouraged to take individual lessons on their instrument while participating in the program.

All applicants, regardless of ability or previous experience, can be admitted to this program, however enrolment is subject to the availability of an appropriate ensemble.

 

How To Apply

To apply for the Jazz Combos program, please fill out the following application form: Application to the Community Music Centre 2024

We enrol our main round of participants at the start of each year; however, we are happy to accept applications all year round. Applicants who apply after our main round of streaming interviews will be placed on a waiting list and contacted for an interview should a place become available. We will often review our waiting list prior to the commencement of our Semester 2 programs.

 

Streaming Interviews

Applicants applying to join Jazz Combos in Semester 1 2024 are required to prepare and upload a video file or unlisted YouTube video link. 

Upload your video submission here: Video submission link

Instructions on how to upload an unlisted YouTube link can be found here: unlisted YouTube instructional video

Videos must be titled with the applicants’ full name and instrument, and in the recording the applicant will:

• introduce themselves with their name and age
• introduce and then play the scales they have chosen 
• introduce and then play one jazz piece of your choosing. If possible, use a backing track or accompaniment
• perform the set piece (download link below)
  • All candidates should play the melody and then improvise a solo over the form of the song
  • Harmony instruments should also play through the chords; bass players should play an appropriate bass line; drummers should ‘play the melody on the kit’, play an appropriate drum feel over the form of the song and improvise a solo over the form

Please download the score and appropriate backing track for the set piece at the bottom of this page. Please note that the backing track is set to 80 bpm, but if you would like to play at a faster tempo (and are able to speed up the backing track), you are more than welcome to do so.

 

Fees

Program	Fee Per Semester
Jazz Combos	$150

Fees can be paid here through the ANU's OneStop Secure Payment Portal.

Fees can be waived for current pension or healthcare card holders or anyone experiencing financial difficulties. If you would like to waive the fees for this program, please email us at communitymusiccentre@anu.edu.au

 

2024 Dates

Semester 1

Term 1: Friday 9 February – Thursday 28 March (7 weeks)

Term 2: Monday 29 April – Friday 14 June (7 weeks)

Mid-year Jazz Concert: Tuesday 18 June

 

Semester 2

Term 3: Monday 22 July – Friday 20 September (9 weeks)

Term 4: Monday 14 October – Friday 15 November (5 weeks)

End of Year Jazz Concert: Tuesday 19 November