MIDDLE YEARS JAZZ BAND

The Middle Years Jazz Band is the College's new big band jazz ensemble for students in Year 7-10.

It aims to extend students in Concert Band by providing an opportunity to learn different styles of music and perform in different settings.

The ensemble performs a wide variety of works written or arranged for big bands, including swing, funk, rock, and latin music.

Rehearsals are Wednesday mornings in the Ensemble Room (Veritas Building)

• Arrive between 7:20am and 7:30am

• Tuning at 7:30am

Students must audition to be a member of the ensemble.

Years 7-10

Students in Years 7 to 10 Concert Band classes can submit an audition application to try and fill the vacancies.

This band follows a traditional big band line up. 

• Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone

• Trumpets and Trombones

• Rhythm Section - piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, aux percussion/vibes 

  • Students of other wind instruments are also welcome to audition

Students must be enrolled in Concert Band to audition and participate in Jazz Band 

Students in Years 7-10 will have their seating position re-evaluated every year. 

Auditions occur once a year in Term 2. If successful students will need to commit to the band for a minimum period of 1 year. 

Students may be selected by classroom and instrumental teachers should vacancies occur at other times of the year. 

Audition Applications

Click here to learn about audition applications

Membership

All students commit to a minimum 12 month ‘season’ upon accepting their position. The season lasts from July in one year to June in the next year. 

Any students’ membership may be cancelled. This may only take place after ongoing negotiation between the student and ensemble staff. This may be as a result of aspects such as repeated poor conduct, performance or absenteeism.

Students in Years 7 to 10 may have their membership cancelled if:

• They are no longer enrolled in Concert Band classes

• They are no longer enrolled in instrumental lessons; OR

• They are no longer participating in another College ensemble.

Seating Positions

After the audition process, students are assigned a seating position within the ensemble which remains constant until the end of the 12 month ‘season’ or a vacancy arises. The results of the auditions process are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding seating positions or other results.

Non-Marist Ensembles

Students may not participate in an external ensemble of the same type as Middle Years Jazz Band if they are not participating in Middle Years Jazz Band.

Students must be participating in Middle Years Jazz Band before they accept membership of another similar ensemble outside of the College.

This is in line with other policies at Marist College where participation where Marist enters teams into the same competition.

If you are concerned or have questions about the Non-Marist Ensemble requirements, please speak with staff.

There are no fees for participating in Middle Years Jazz Band.

You may be required to pay for participation in Music Camp or tours, or for Morning Teas/Afternoon Teas during weekend rehearsal days.

Please bring the following to every rehearsal and performance:

• Instrument

• Instrument equipment (reeds, cleaners, valve oil, etc.)

• Black Marist Performing Arts folder

• Pencil and eraser

Uniform

• Summer: Marist summer uniform with blazer

• Winter: Marist winter uniform with blazer

Performing Arts Enquiries

• Email: performingartsenquiries@mcc.act.edu.au

• Phone: 6298 7255

Ms Elise Vellnagel (conductor)

• Email: elisevellnagel@mcc.act.edu.au