Join a Community Big Band in Brisbane

Looking for a big band to play with in Brisbane? New Groove Jazz Ensemble is a 20-piece community big band that’s been playing around Brisbane since 1997. We rehearse every Wednesday night on Brisbane’s northside, play a monthly gig at Sandgate Town Hall, and perform big band classics, swing, latin, blues, funk and rock.

There’s no audition, but we do move quickly. We put together a new set list every month, which means learning 25+ charts. It suits intermediate to advanced players who read well and enjoy a challenge.

Rehearsals

When: Wednesdays, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Where: Craigslea State School, Chermside West

Parking: Plenty, on site

Halfway through there’s a tea and coffee break, so you can have a quick chat and get to know the band.

Where we perform

We play the second Sunday of every month at Sandgate Town Hall (except January).

And a few other gigs throughout the year, including Brisbane Bands in the Park and Brisbane Jazz Club

Is New Groove right for you?

You’ll fit in well if you:

  • Play at an intermediate to advanced standard

  • Read big band charts comfortably

  • Can commit to Wednesday rehearsals and monthly gigs

  • Have your own instrument

  • No. We do ask that players are intermediate standard or above, because we learn 25+ new charts every month.

  • A lot. A new set list each month means sight-reading and learning charts quickly is important.

  • If your reading and chops are back at an intermediate level, absolutely. Come and sit in at a rehearsal and see how it feels.

  • Yes.

  • Craigslea State School in Chermside West, on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with plenty of parking.

  • Second Sunday of every month at Sandgate Town Hall, plus events like Brisbane Bands in the Park and Brisbane Jazz Club.

  • Yes. It’s $70 annual membership.

 

How to join

Get in touch, come along to a Wednesday rehearsal, and sit in with the section. No audition, no pressure. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s a fit.