Newpark Big Band Course Overview

There is a vast musical and social history of jazz music and its development, The Newpark Academy of Music continues to contribute to this ever changing and exciting musical genre. We are delighted to offer music students from all backgrounds the opportunity to apply for our 2024 Summer Big Band Jazz Camp.Students will establish a strong theoretical and stylistic foundation with regards to improvisation and performance within a Large Jazz Ensemble. There will be an emphasis on the development of the student’s individual expression and creativity. The repertoire covered throughout the week will cover selected pieces from the Big Band era performed by Ellington, Basie and more. Led by the highly experienced Big Band Leader & Saxophonist Mr. Daniel Rorke PhD, the faculty will also include some of the leading exponents of Jazz music from Ireland, such as Saxophonist Brendan Doyle, Drummer Kevin Brady, Trombonist Colm O’Hara & Trumpeter Michael Barkley.

The final day of the camp will culminate with a 1-hour concert at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham on Sunday 7th of July and will feature the critically acclaimed Tenor Saxophonist & Composer Meilana Gillard (U.S.) as Guest soloist. The NMA Big Band Camp is the only available summer course of its kind in Ireland and will give you the tools to improve your professional performance ability in an ensemble, increase playing opportunities in the future and create a unique networking environment within the music community.
The Jazz Summer Camp is open to juniors from age 15 and adults. Applicants must have the appropriate background and performance experience and be committed to the schedule and timetable set out for the duration of the course. The number of students on the program will be limited due to the nature of instrumentation required for a Large Ensemble. Placement on the course is by audition. Due to the limited availability of places, this will be a highly competitive process. Preparation is integral to success.

Auditions & Entry Requirements

1.Due to the limited spaces available we ask that each student interested in participating attends Newpark Academy of Music for an audition on Saturday April 27th between 1.30pm & 6pm.

2.To register your interest in auditioning for the Jazz Big Band 2024 please email Kevin at [email protected] Your application must also include a current music CV giving detail on experience.

3.Your audition time will be assigned to you in advance, please do not attend the audition day without an assigned audition time.

4.Each musician will be asked to demonstrate their reading skills, awareness of jazz styles, comping skill (rhythm section) and improvising skill (optional).

5.A short 10 minute interview will be conducted with the adjudicating panel on completion of your performance.

FOR FURTHER INFO PLEASE CONTACT:

Email: [email protected].
Tel: 01 2883740