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. The youth jazz groups are called Jazz Combos, and we've recently begun calling out adult groups, Jazz Jambos.

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

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 (youth) or Jazz Jambos (adults) are required to either:

Attend an in-person interview fulfilling the streaming requirements below, OR
Prepare and upload a video submission fulfilling the streaming requirements below.

In-person and Online Jazz Jambos Streaming Interview information

If you are an adult applying to join this program, your streaming interview information is the same as Jazz Combos below. However, There is a lot more flexibility in terms of the interview content, and if you are not able or comfortable doing any of the below, that is ok! Please still attend an interview or submit an online interview using the information below and just attempt what you can so that we are able to get an idea of your playing style and skill.

In-person Jazz Combos Streaming Interviews

The in-person interviews will be held on Tuesday 26 November 2024. You will be allocated a 10-15min timeslot between 4:00pm and 7pm on this day. These interviews will be held in the Foster Room (Peter Karmel Building, ANU).

During the interview, applicants will be required to:

play one major and one minor scale of their choosing
perform 1 own-choice piece, preferably jazz, that demonstrates the applicant’s musical skill
perform the set piece (score and backing track download below). For the set piece:
- All applicants 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

Online Jazz Combos Streaming Video Submission

Applicants who are not able to attend an in-person interview can prepare and upload their video submission as an unlisted YouTube video link. Video submissions should be submitted using the below link by Tuesday 26 November 2024. 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