Festival

JAZZ & IMPROVISATION MEGA DAY 2024

The Ian Potter Southbank Centre

Image of Jazz Ensemble Performance

We're inviting instrumentalists and vocalists of all ages, abilities and walks of life to come experience a day at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music!

Participants will engage in large and small workshops, meet with like-minded musicians and perform some incredible music together. The mega day will finish with a Jazz & Improvisation Showcase Concert featuring students and staff of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Schedule

10:30am- 10:50am – Registrations Open - Ian Potter Southbank Centre Foyer
10:50am – 11:00am – Welcome to the Mega Day
11:00am – 1:00pm – The Big Sessions
1:00pm –2:00pm - Lunch Break and Open Stage Jam Session - Bring your lunch!
2:15pm – 3:15pm– Audition Preparation Workshop + Jazz History and Listening Session
3:15pm – 3:30pm - Break
3:30pm - 5:00pm - Jazz and Improvisation Workshops
5:00pm - 6:00pm – Dinner Break
6:00pm - 7:00pmJazz & Improvisation Showcase Concert
A fantastic showcase concert featuring the staff and students of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

Jazz & Improvisation Sessions and Workshops

The Big Sessions
Mega Day participants will engage in two big workshops, focusing on different aspects of the Jazz and Improvisation genres. Participants will be separated into two groups, and then swap.

  • The Big Sing
    Make music together in The Big Sing! Create and build your improvisational voice, introduce some aural techniques and skills and learn how to improvise in a group. This session will explore conceptual improvisation through vocalisation and is open to everyone – you don’t have to be a singer!
  • The Big Bang
    In this percussion ensemble, participants will be introduced to basic Samba rhythms, and explore overlaying different rhythms to create a percussion piece on the go. This group is also open to everyone – you don’t have to be a drummer!

Audition Preparation Workshop
Engage in discussion on how best to prepare for a Jazz and Improvisation Audition. Topics included are audition requirements and guidelines, selecting performance pieces, audition demonstration and call-back information.

Jazz History and Listening Session
A walkthrough some of the genre’s most iconic moments and the direct influence and impact of Jazz & Improvisation in Australia.

Jazz & Improvisation Workshops
Led by the Jazz & Improvisation teaching staff, Mega Day participants will break out into smaller groups and experience improvisation, focusing on specific techniques and concepts for their instrument or voice.

Jazz & Improvisation Showcase Concert
A fantastic showcase concert featuring the staff and students of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Jazz & Improvisation program.

*Participants attending the Mega Day will need to book separate concert tickets in addition to the Session and Workshop tickets.