2025 WORKSHOPS
​SATURDAY 31st MAY - MORNING
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PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS - JOHN MORRISON, DAN BARNETT AND ERIC DUNAN
In the performance workshops, 3 bands will perform 2 tunes each to receive feedback and tips on getting that authentic big band sound. Bands will work with John Morrison, Dan Barnett or Eric Dunan in groups of 2 or 3.
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HEAR IT, SING IT, PLAY IT - JACKI COOPER
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Leave your instruments at the door and come ready to sing. This vocal workshop is designed to get instrumentalists to use their voice to practice their charts. They will learn to sing a big band chart - Hayburner by Sammy Nestico - using appropriate jazz language and phrasing.
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AY CARUMBA - ERIC DUNAN
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Get in the Latin mood and learn about the rhumba, the samba, and the cha cha cha. Play your instrument or have a go on the guiro, cow bell or claves.
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​SATURDAY 31st MAY - AFTERNOON
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In the afternoon you can choose which sessions you attend according to your interests and ability.
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1:30pm - 2:15pm
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BIG BAND JAM - SARAH MORRISON
Sarah will run the big band jam with a great selection of easy charts to challenge everyone’s sight-reading skills. The Big Band Jam sessions are aimed at beginner-intermediate readers who want to have some fun reading new charts. This year we are honoured to present charts by Australian composers and arrangers.
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SIGHT-READING SMASH OUT - ROD HERBERT
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Rod will lead the players through some more charts by Australian composer/arrangers. The Sight-reading Smash Out is aimed at intermediate-advanced players who are wanting more of a reading and playing challenge.
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BIG BAND BLAST SELECTED BAND REHEARSAL - JOHN MORRISON
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Prior to the weekend, we asked teachers to nominate up to 5 top players in order of ability. From this list we were able to select players for a special advanced workshop with John. This band will play their chart in the Finale on Sunday.
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VOCAL PERFORMANCE MASTERCLASS - JACKI COOPER
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Pre-register through your teacher prior to the weekend and come prepared with a song of any genre (use backing track or sing unaccompanied) to get feedback on vocal technique and performance.
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2:30pm - 3.15pm
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FREESTYLING - INTRODUCTION TO IMPROV - ERIC DUNAN
Discover simple methods to build your improvising skills in the beginner/intermediate session.
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BEYOND THE BLUES - INTERMEDIATE IMPROV SKILLS - DAN BARNETT
This workshop is for those who have been soloing for a while and are comfortable on the blues and want tips and advice on how to take your existing improv skills to the next level.
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SCATTERGORIES - JACKI COOPER
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Always wanted to work out how to be the shoo-be-doo into the scat-do-wah? Not a singer? Doesn't matter. Come and solve the Scooby-dooby-doo mystery at this Introduction to Scat SiDnging workshop.
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3.30pm - 4:15pm
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DIRECTOR'S BAND WORKSHOP
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It's time to relax and watch your teachers and band directors be put through their paces as John Morrison guides them through Sammy Nestico's Hayburner chart you learned to sing in the morning session.
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ARRANGING AND COMPOSING FOR BIG BAND - GETTING STARTED - DAN BARNETT
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This special workshop with Dan Barnett is for those considering embarking on big band arranging or composing. I must for those considering doing composition for HSC.
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SUNDAY 1st JUNE
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MASTERCLASSES
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Woodwind - TBC
Rhythm Section - John Morrison
Trumpets - Eric Dunan and Sarah Morrison
Trombones - Dan Barnett and Rod Herbert
Vocals - Jacki Cooper
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