Liam Gallagher Music

Guelph Jazz Society Big Band

All Instruments Auditions (Winter 2026 Season)

About the Inaugural 2026 Winter Season

The Band’s Goal

The goal of the Guelph Jazz Society Big Band is to provide opportunities for musicians and audiences to participate in the rich tradition of jazz big band music. Musicians will find their place in that tradition by playing in a diverse band that’s interested in the craft of big band playing through the exploration of early through to contemporary repertoire. The band aims to help situate players and listeners in their jazz context through quality education and opportunities to contribute to their culture.

“All music is folk music.” – Louis Armstrong

The Commitment

The Guelph Jazz Society Big Band will rehearse Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 10pm at La Poche at 40 Quebec Street from February to March, with a live performance in April at a time and date to be determined shortly. It is expected that you’ll practice the band’s music on your own time under the advice of the band’s musical director, and to be invested in the growth of your band mates.

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”  – Ella Fitzgerald

Auditions

Here’s the Audition Short Explainer.

Thank you for your interest in the Guelph Jazz Society Big Band! The band is not auditioned to find “the best” musicians. The band is auditioned to find the right combination of musicians, people with lots to learn and people with lots to teach. If you’re worried about “not making the cut”, audition anyways because bravery is just as important as confidence. 

“Don’t give me inspiration, give me a deadline!” – Duke Ellington

Auditions will be held on January 20th and 27th from 6 to 10pm at La Poche. Rain check auditions will be held February 2nd at 6pm prior to the band’s first rehearsal. You can sign up for your audition time here: https://calendly.com/guelphjazzsociety/big-band-audition

To audition you must be a member of the Guelph Jazz Society, memberships are $10 a year and 100% of the funds are used to support jazz culture in Guelph.

Your audition will consist of:

  • A chance to chat with the Musical Director and the Assistant Musical Director.
  • A performance of a jazz selection of your choosing.
  • An excerpt from an appropriate big band arrangement made available a week before auditions.
  • A short-sight reading exercise.

Audition materials can be found here: Audition! You can sign up for an audition here: https://calendly.com/guelphjazzsociety/big-band-audition

“All the best bands are in their seats.” – Liam Gallagher

We are looking for:

  • Assistant musical director (must be age 25 or younger).
  • 5 saxes (alto, alto, tenor, tenor, Bari).
  • 4 trumpets.
  • 4 trombones.
  • Guitar, piano, bass, drums, vibes.
  • 2 vocalists.

“Freedom is more important than excellence.” – Nina Simone

Selection 

The Guelph Jazz Society Big Band is an inclusive band because jazz is an inclusive music. People of all ages and genders are welcome and are expected to contribute their own story in their own way to the band. We are a big band and we’ll be playing music that’s rooted deeply in a democratic and free tradition. This tradition has a gay Black man in the USA of the 50s being the principal collaborator of the most prestigious big band ever, the Duke Ellington Orchestra. That’s the tradition we aspire to, so be ready to learn and grow and contribute and be a part of a band.

“Billy Strayhorn was my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes in the back of my head, my brain waves in his head, and his in mine.” – Duke Ellington

Fees

  • $100 to join the band, $90 for youth/arts workers/seniors.
  • $30 for printed parts (optional).
  • $TBD for specific instrument T-shirt (instrument and year on sleeves) (optional).
  • $24~28 for a general T-shirt (optional).

Fees will be due after the band roster is selected, but can be paid here.

The Assistant Musical Director Role

The Guelph Jazz Society Big Band is looking for a youth member to join as the assistant musical director. This person will aid in the practical, artistic, and cultural aspects of running a big band, and will receive instruction from and work directly with the Musical Director to accomplish this. The Assistant Musical Director will be selected prior to the rest of the band, and will participate in every element of the band’s operations, from pre season auditions and planning of repertoire, running rehearsals and performances, and post season reflection and goal setting.

“Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn.” – Charlie Parker

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to learn how to run a large ensemble! The ideal candidate is motivated to learn from the experiences of the people in the band, and interested in contributing to its success in both thoughtful and practical ways. It is not a requirement for the Assistant Musical Director to be a performer in the band, but it’s also welcomed and encouraged.

This role will be compensated to an amount to be determined pending the results of grant applications, but at minimum the value of the band fees. The time commitment is likely only a couple of hours a week beyond typical participation in the band.

Interviews for Assistant Musical Director

To express interest please email guelphjazzsociety@gmail.com with your CV and a short introduction by no later than January 2nd. The interview will be 30 minutes and will tackle topics of jazz culture, band administration, and overall outlook. The Assistant Musical Director will be involved in auditioning the band, which takes place on January 20th, and 27th, so it’s very important you express your interest in advance.