University Jazz Orchestra
Department Ensemble
The University of York Jazz Orchestra is a single-seat, auditioned jazz orchestra playing contemporary arrangements for big band. The Jazz Orchestra is led by a guest director — previous years have included James Mainwaring and John Warren. They perform jazz classics as well as more recent works by John Law, John Warren, Kenny Wheeler and others. We also welcome any players interested in composition to write for the ensemble. There are two concerts each year, which offer collaborations with musicians such as Iain Dixon, Malcolm Earle Smith and Nikki Iles. In the summer term, they perform at the National Centre for Early Music in York.
Audition information:
Auditions are open to all university staff and students, who are approximately Grade 7 standard and above. The ability to read notated music is essential, and ability to (or at least interest in!) improvise is desirable; there are opportunities for solo improvisation in the pieces. Auditions are usually at the end of Autumn Term.
Rehearsal information:
Rehearsals are 4.30-6.30pm in the music department on Mondays, usually from Spring Term onwards.