Rehearsals take place at New Forest Arts Centre, New Milton. The band is open to ages 12 to 80+ with a minimum sight-reading ability of grade 5 standard. Come and join the fun, run by experienced band leader and saxophonist James Rawlinson.
Author: Andrew Blee
Introduction to Jazz and Improvisation Days
These Sunday Introduction to Jazz and Improvisation Days will be ideal for those with little or no experience playing jazz or improvising. Carefully chosen music and music theory combined with playing will increase your confidence.
James Rae Woodwind Weekend
20th / 21st July 2019 – James Rae, one of Europe’s most published writers of educational wind music is with us for a two day Woodwind workshop. This will be a fantastic weekend for any woodwind player wishing to improve their musicianship.
Basie to Ellington and Beyond
25th / 26th May 2019 – Dar Mar-Molinero returns for a spectacular Big Band Workshop – Basie to Ellington and Beyond. Saxophonist, composer and educator, Dan has been recognised nationally for his work in jazz and commercial music.
New Milton Music Festival 2019
We are excited to be supporting the New Milton Music Festival 2019, who have added Jazz to their list of classes. Performance date is the 23rd March 2019. Enter as a soloist, duet or trio and as a Jazz Ensemble. Book your place now!
Bob Reynolds Saxophone Masterclass
4th April 2019 – Bob Reynolds is an American jazz tenor saxophonist and Grammy Award-winning member of the band Snarky Puppy. Widely known for his work with both Snarky and John Mayer. Don’t miss out.
Jazz Improvisation Workshop with Mike Hall
27th / 28th April 2019 – We welcome back Mike Hall, head of Jazz Studies at the RNCM in Manchester, for a two day jazz improvisation workshop. This course is open to beginner, intermediate and advanced improvisers.
Jazz Performance & Technology Workshop
James Rawlinson & Geoff Westgate – Three day Jazz Performance & Technology Workshop, August 10th/11th/12th 2018.
Coda Music Centre, Walkford, Christchurch.
NEW for 2018 – August 10th-12th. We have an exciting three day Jazz Performance & Technology workshop for August 2018. For singers and instrumentalists, a jazz and blues workshop where you will perform and record with a professional sound engineer and take away the finished result which can be used for your own portfolio or pleasure. Learn how to play with a microphone, use monitoring and use a P.A. system. This course aims to demystify the world of electronics and technology in music.
We will also be delving into improvisation, ear playing, rhythm reading and playing music in small and large ensembles. We welcome pre-formed ensembles who may want to improve their playing as a unit.
On the final afternoon there will be an informal performance where friends and family will be welcomed to watch the result of three days intense work.
Leading the tuition for woodwind and improvisation will be James Rawlinson, Dorset & Hampshire based saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist and teacher. James plays with or leads various ensembles including The Red Fez Orchestra, Regular Joes, Bevin Boys and Forza Saxophone Quartet. He has extensive experience of recording with bands and for sessions. As an educator James has run many big bands and rehearsal orchestras. Also on hand to coach the less experienced players will be Andrew Blee, JazzSmart organiser, teacher and saxophonist.
We welcome back to JazzSmart Geoff Westgate, who is an accomplished guitarist, known for his involvement with The Regular Joes, Red Fez Orchestra, The Midnight Shift and much more. Geoff has worked regularly all over the world as a player and sound engineer. He has experience in many fields including P.A. design, tutoring sound engineering, recording and production.
This music technology & performance workshop will be held at the converted farm buildings of Coda Music Trust, Walkford, Dorset.
Price for this is only £150 for three days of musical fun and crammed workshops.
Participant Requirements:
Beginners or near beginners (woodwind only) - Come along and work with one of our tutors in improving your technique, tone and overall musicianship. A welcoming and encouraging environment to improve your sax life!
Early Grades (approximately Grades 1-3) - This course is suitable for those on their early grades, it will help you build confidence in reading, improvising and playing with a band. We can provide easy to play along music and advice on how to improvise effectively.
Intermediate (approximately Grades 4-5) - Want to be a pushed a little further? Then this course is for you. We have music that will push your reading and / or improvisation abilities, and include in more detail subject topics such as style, musical interpretation and better technique.
Advanced (Grades 6+) - Challenging music and tutoring to develop your understanding of rhythms, musical expression, and enhance your knowledge of advanced jazz theory and techniques.
Regardless of your current level, we here at JazzSmart are committed to providing tuition and support at a pace that allows you to absorb salient points while good progress and motivation is maintained.
What do we mean by "grades" as a measuring tool? We use the ABRSM/Trinity "classical" syllabus, but in most respects this applies to the Jazz grades as well. If you haven't taken any grades then please contact us to discuss suitability.
Early Grades (approximately Grades 1-3) - This course is suitable for those on their early grades, it will help you build confidence in reading, improvising and playing with a band. We can provide easy to play along music and advice on how to improvise effectively.
Intermediate (approximately Grades 4-5) - Want to be a pushed a little further? Then this course is for you. We have music that will push your reading and / or improvisation abilities, and include in more detail subject topics such as style, musical interpretation and better technique.
Advanced (Grades 6+) - Challenging music and tutoring to develop your understanding of rhythms, musical expression, and enhance your knowledge of advanced jazz theory and techniques.
Regardless of your current level, we here at JazzSmart are committed to providing tuition and support at a pace that allows you to absorb salient points while good progress and motivation is maintained.
What do we mean by "grades" as a measuring tool? We use the ABRSM/Trinity "classical" syllabus, but in most respects this applies to the Jazz grades as well. If you haven't taken any grades then please contact us to discuss suitability.
Participants of all ages are welcome. Please note: Participants under 18 will need to provide parent/ guardian contact details.
- Saxophones (Flute/Clarinet)
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Guitar
- Drums
- Bass
- Piano
- Percussion
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Guitar
- Drums
- Bass
- Piano
- Percussion
You will need to bring your own instrument and instrument stand.
Drums: We have a drum kit but you can bring your own breakables. By all means you can bring your complete kit if you prefer.
Guitar/Bass: You'll need to bring your own amps.
Keys: We have a piano but feel free to bring your own keyboard.
Drums: We have a drum kit but you can bring your own breakables. By all means you can bring your complete kit if you prefer.
Guitar/Bass: You'll need to bring your own amps.
Keys: We have a piano but feel free to bring your own keyboard.
Not provided, we recommend bringing a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and cold refreshments are included for all participants.
Times for the workshop are as follows:
Arrive: 9.30am onwards
Session one: 10am - 11.15am
Morning break: 11.15am - 11.45am
Session two: 11.45am - 1pm
Lunch: 1pm - 2pm
Session three: 2pm - 3pm
Afternoon break: 3pm - 3.30pm
Session four: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Arrive: 9.30am onwards
Session one: 10am - 11.15am
Morning break: 11.15am - 11.45am
Session two: 11.45am - 1pm
Lunch: 1pm - 2pm
Session three: 2pm - 3pm
Afternoon break: 3pm - 3.30pm
Session four: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Contact at info@jazzsmart.com, or calling 07708 091675, or by using our contact form and we will be happy to discuss your needs further.
Derek Nash Saxophone Workshop
6th / 7th October 2018 – Derek Nash, sax man extraordinaire with Jools Holland, is coming to JazzSmart. Don’t miss it!
*** SOLD OUT ***
POP Big Band with Dan Mar-Molinero
24th / 25th November 2018 – Dar Mar-Molinero returns for a fun and exciting POP Big Band Workshop. Saxophonist, composer and educator, Dan has been recognised nationally for his work in jazz and commercial music.