Big Band

About Big Band

The Melbourne University Big Band (directed by Mat Jodrell) utilises a wide variety of styles and eras of the Big Band catalog, incorporating many current composers in its repertoire. The band is primarily a reading band, promoting the skills of sight reading and instant interpretation. The ensemble also uses improvisation as a key element, often featuring extended solos. This group performs works by composers such as Maria Schneider, Thad Jones, Gil Evans, Jim McNeely, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Bob Mintzer, John Clayton and Bob Brookmeyer to name a few. It also encourages composition/arrangements from members of the band and the wider Melbourne Conservatorium music community.

The Melbourne University Jazz Orchestra (directed by Jordan Murray) will run depending on audition numbers. It will focus on the classic era of Big Band repertoire (1930-1970), dealing with stylistic nuance, swing, blend, balance and of course improvisation. It is especially designed to give the students a deeper knowledge of Jazz phrasing and articulation, as well as serving as an introduction into the world of improvising on simple Jazz forms. The repertoire consists of classics from the libraries of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Quincy Jones, Stan Kenton to name a few.

Both bands are comprised of 5 saxophones, 5 trumpets, 4 trombones, piano, bass, guitar and drums. Occasionally other instruments are employed for special projects (such as french horn), and for some concerts singers are also used. All positions are auditioned at the start of each year, and the timetable works so that students can take Big Band as well as Wind Ensemble or Orchestra. Each year the band performs at a range of venues including a concert in the Kenneth Myer Music Auditorium at the end of each semester.

Subjects

Semester 1

Semester 2

Check the ensemble subject descriptions in the Handbook to ensure you meet performance standard requirements.
If you have the musical background equivalent to the recommended performance standard, discuss an enrolment with a course advisor at Stop 1. You can enrol in ensemble subjects on the basis of the recommended performance standard, but confirmation of enrolment will be conditional on successful audition.

Rehearsals

University of Melbourne Big Band
Time: Tuesdays during semester, 12pm - 2pm
Location: John Hopkins Room (Room 113, Building 862) 

Melbourne University Jazz Orchestra
Time: Tuesdays during semester, 12pm - 2pm.
Location: Room 423, Building 862

2026 Performance schedule

All students participating in Big Band must be available for the following performances.
Please consider your availability before auditioning.

Sydney: 29 May 29 - 1 June 2026
Big Band will be performing alongside the Sydney Conservatorium Big Band.

The Jazzlab, Brunswick: 1 June 2026
This performance will include both Big Band and Jazz Orchestra

Auditions

  • Auditions will only be accepted as recordings uploaded as unlisted YouTube links.
  • Recorded auditions must include audio and video.
  • Two contrasting works must be submitted as two unique video links.
  • Total run time of video links should not exceed 10 minutes.
  • At least one work should be jazz influenced in style, and improvising is optional.
  • Live or recording backing is optional.

Audition information for Semester 2, 2026 will be announced in June/July.