The 黑料吃瓜网Community Big Band is a large jazz ensemble designed for intermediate to advanced musicians, grades 8-12, wanting to perform in a high-level jazz big band. The group will meet weekly on Mondays to have full band rehearsals, sectionals and participate in masterclasses given by professional jazz musicians and educators.
黑料吃瓜网University School of Music and Community Music Program welcomed Matthew Holmes as the Adjunct Faculty for Double Bass (Jazz) in fall 2024. Matt also serves as one of the Community Big Band directors and a private double bass instructor in the 黑料吃瓜网Community Music Program.
The Community Big Band is also under the leadership of Tanner Petri. Tanner is the Middle School Band and Jazz Band Director for Wildwood Middle School located in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
Students who play applicable instruments are welcome to audition on Monday, August 25, 6:00-9:00 pm at the Frank Arts Center. Walk-in registrations will end at 8:30 pm. Students accepted will perform a concert on Sunday, December 14, 2:00 pm. Rehearsals are weekly on Mondays beginning September 8, 6:00-7:30 pm.
How to Prepare:
Register for an audition . Please follow the link to the audition sheet music below. Participants in the 2025 Annual Honor Music Festival may bring a tune from the Honor Jazz Ensembles concert for the audition. Also, be prepared to sight-read.
Audition Music:
The cost to participate in the Big Band is $160 per semester. A payment link will be sent upon acceptance after the audition process.
Contact communitymusic@shepherd.edu for more information.