WJO BIG BAND WORKSHOPS

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is committed to fostering jazz education in Manitoba and we are excited to continue offering Big Band Workshops for middle school and high school jazz bands. These half-day workshops include a full-band rehearsal, sectionals, improv-fundamentals session and a group master class with our featured guest artist. Workshop faculty will include WJO’s featured guest artist,  prominent Manitoba jazz educators and musicians of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. Students and teachers from participating ensembles will receive complimentary tickets to enjoy to the WJO concert (up to a total of 22 students + 1 teacher + 1 chaperone per group).

Confirmed Dates:

Saturday, October 26, 2019
Fort Richmond Collegiate
99 Killarney Ave, Winnipeg, MB 

Saturday, November 16, 2019
Garden City Collegiate
711 Jefferson Ave, Winnipeg, MB

Thursday, March 5, 2020  - FULL!
Springfield Middle School 
Oakbank, MB
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Saturday, April 25, 2020
Sisler High School
1360 Redwood Ave, Winnipeg, MB

​Please email Richard Gillis if you wish to host a day of workshops or are looking for another date.

Workshop Format: (times to be finalized)

Groups will sign up for A.M. sessions or P.M. sessions

Big Band Workshop - A.M. SESSION
(groups will rotate A.M. sessions)
9:00-9:55am:     AM full band
​10:00-10:55am:  AM sectionals
​11:00-11:55am:    AM improv.
12:00-12:55pm:  Combined AM & PM session with guest
4:45-6:30pm:      Open WJO rehearsal ​
7:00pm:                WJO concert @ host school

Big Band Workshop - P.M. SESSION
(groups will rotate P.M. sessions) 
12:00-12:55pm:  Combined AM & PM session with guest
1:00-1:55pm:       PM full band 
2:00-2:55pm:     PM sectionals
​3:00-3:55pm:      PM improv.
4:45-6:30pm:      Open WJO rehearsal ​
7:00pm:                WJO concert @ host school

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Sessions

Full Band: Bring a couple of charts the guest director can work on with your ensemble. If you don't have any material, we can provide a chart to work on (please contact us in advance). We will stress time, articulation, style/feel & balance (and, of course, notes & basic rhythms).

Sectionals: Each section of your band will work with a dedicated clinician (saxes, trombones, trumpets, rhythm) on your repertoire as well as characteristics of the individual section (time, tone, balance, blend).

Improv/Fundamentals: In this full-ensemble session a big band chart will be used as the vehicle for improvisation. Students will listen to some audio examples first and then work on it together. Chords and form will be kept simple to allow students to focus on their improv skill development. Any information you can give to the clinician regarding the experience level and knowledge of the group will help. If you have a suggested tune, let us know in advance and please bring it with you. Otherwise we will pick and supply one. We want this to be something you can take away and use in your own rehearsals and concerts.

Master Class: The goal of the group master class is to inspire and energize students and leave them with some news skills and context. The presenters – Scotty Barnhart (October 21), TBA (November 18), and Mike Janzen (May 5) will use clinicians to assist with modelling and may also invite students to join their sessions.

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Workshop Fees:

$380 per group/ ensemble (Payable Upon Registration)

Includes:

• Half-day Workshop Sessions
• Group Master Class with our featured guest artist

• Free tickets to that evening’s WJO Concert for up to 22 workshop students, one teacher & one chaperone
  
                    ~Additional WJO concert tickets for workshop participants (above the allotted 22 maximum):
                                      $5/ticket (payable with registration fees)
  
  
• Discounted tickets available for family and friends of workshop participants available at the door:
                               $10/adults and $5/students

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If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know,
as we want to make this a profitable experience for you and your students.

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Register Your Group Online

(online registrants can pay by credit card or by school cheque)

Download Registration PDF Form (Mail-in Option)

(mail-in form registrants can pay by credit card or by school cheque)