​SATURDAY 16th MAY - MORNING

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PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS - JOHN MORRISON and ANDREW ROBERTSON

 

In the performance workshops, three bands will each present two pieces, receiving feedback and guidance on achieving an authentic big band sound. Each band will work with either John Morrison or Andrew Robertson.

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FREESTYLING - INTRODUCTION TO IMPROV - ERIC DUNAN

 

Explore practical techniques to develop improvisation skills in this beginner to intermediate session.

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BEYOND THE BLUES - INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED IMPROV SKILLS - HANNAH JAMES

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This workshop is designed for musicians who are already confident soloing over the blues and are looking for guidance and techniques to elevate their improvisation to a more advanced level.

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SCATTERGORIES - JACKI COOPER

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Always wanted to work out how to put 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 Singing workshop. 

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​SATURDAY 16th MAY - AFTERNOON​

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BIG BAND BLAST SUPERBAND REHEARSAL - JOHN MORRISON

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Before the weekend, teachers were asked to nominate the top players in their big band. From these nominations, a group was selected to participate in a special advanced workshop with John Morrison.

This ensemble will perform their pieces in the Finale on Sunday.

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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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HEAR IT, SING IT, PLAY IT - SARAH MORRISON

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Leave your instruments at the door and come ready to sing. This vocal workshop invites instrumentalists to explore their charts through the voice, developing a deeper connection to melody, rhythm, and phrasing. Participants will learn to sing a big band chart using authentic jazz language and stylistic nuance.

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VOCAL PERFORMANCE MASTERCLASS - JACKI COOPER

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Pre-register through your teacher before the weekend and prepare a song in any genre—using a backing track or singing unaccompanied—to receive feedback on vocal technique and performance.

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SIGHT-READING SMASH OUT - ROD HERBERT

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Rod will guide the ensemble through additional charts by Australian composer-arrangers. The Sight-reading Smash Out session is designed for intermediate to advanced players seeking a greater challenge in both reading and performance.

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BIG BAND JAM - SARAH MORRISON

 

Sarah will lead the Big Band Jam, featuring an exciting mix of accessible charts designed to stretch and develop sight-reading skills. These sessions are ideal for beginner to intermediate readers looking to enjoy playing through fresh material in a relaxed, supportive setting. This year’s program proudly showcases music by Australian composers and arrangers.

 

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DIRECTOR'S BAND WORKSHOP - JOHN MORRISON

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Sit back and enjoy as your teachers and band directors take the spotlight, led by John Morrison 

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RHYTHM SECTION ACCOMPANYING AND IMPROV WORKSHOP - HANNAH JAMES

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All rhythm section players are invited to this special workshop with Hannah James as she discusses ensemble playing vs big band playing, accompanying, and improvisation. ​​​

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SUNDAY 1st JUNE

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MASTERCLASSES

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Woodwind - Andrew Robertson

Rhythm Section - John Morrison and Hannah James

Trumpets - Eric Dunan and Sarah Morrison

Trombones - Rod Herbert

Vocals - Jacki Cooper

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