Jazz Combos

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. This program has naturally evolved to include adult groups (Jazz Jambos) and youth groups (Jazz Combos).

Details

Jazz Jambos

Tuesdays during term time, 5:00 - 7:00pm

Jazz Combos:

1-hr rehearsals

Wednesdays between 4:30 - 7:30pm

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

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

The in-person Streaming Interviews for entrance into the Semester 1 program were held at the end of last year. We now ask all new applicants to the Jazz Combos program to please submit a Video Submission as part of their application (see information below). If you are an adult, just submit your application and we will be in touch if there is a place available and if the coordinator would like to request an informal interview. Interviews for the adult groups (Jazz Jambos) are considerably more flexible than outlined below for Jazz Combos and will usually involve a chat with the coordinator, some free playing time (content of your choice), and perhaps playing some unfamiliar material.

Online Jazz Combos Streaming Video Submission

Please prepare and upload your video submission as an 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 (one major and one minor, preferably at 120 bpm)
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

Jazz Combos set piece: download score and backing track below.

(Choose the appropriate score for your instrument as well as a backing track speed that you are comfortable with.)

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