From 22 July till 28 July 2024, Halewynstichting vzw and Brussels Jazz Orchestra organise the annual big band course in Destelheide, Dworp.
Since 1951, the Halewynstichting has organised music workshops and training courses inviting both young and old to explore an extremely wide range of areas of music. More than 200 top teachers from Belgium and beyond have been involved in the courses on offer.
Together with Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Halewynstiching is adding the big band repertoire to its list, so that everyone can get to know this distinctive jazz style. In addition, this jazz course will help big band music to continue to be a thriving part of the music scene, and increase familiarity with the genre among both the general public and jazz adepts alike.
If you haven’t participated in this big band course before, you can only register after an audition. To do so, please contact Maarten Weyler (Halewynstichting vzw) at info@halewynstichting.be.
BJO coaches:
Big Band
Interested participants can choose between two 'Big Band Options' when they register:
1) 'Big Band' Full Option
This option includes the full 7-day course, including a big band programme during the afternoon.
08.30 AM – 09.00 AM: breakfast
09.00 AM - 10.30 AM: instrumental/vocal instruction (from day 2)
10.30 AM – 11.00 AM: break
11.00 AM - 12.30 PM: instrumental/vocal instruction (from day 2)
12.30 PM - 01.00 PM: lunch
01.00 PM - 02.00 PM: break
02.00 PM - 03.30 PM: sectional rehearsals (woodwinds/brass/rhythm section)
03.30 PM - 04.00 PM: break
04.00 PM - 06.00 PM: big band rehearsal (on the first day: instrumental/vocal instruction)
06.00 PM - 07.00 PM: dinner and break
08.00 PM - 09.00 PM: 2nd big band rehearsal
From 9PM onwards: jam sessions
2) Big Band 'solo'
This option does not involve room and board, and only includes participation in the sessions after 2.00 PM.
02.00 PM - 03.30 PM: sectional rehearsals (woodwinds/brass/rhythm section)
03.30 PM - 04.00 PM: break
04.00 PM - 06.00 PM: big band rehearsal (first day: instrumental/vocal instruction)
06.00 PM - 07.00 PM: dinner and break
07.00 PM - 09.00 PM: 2nd big band rehearsal
Rehearsals
During the sectional rehearsals, you'll work on your section's repertoire - only woodwinds, brass, or percussions - in small groups, inspiringly led by members of Brussels Jazz Orchestra.
During the big band rehearsals everyone will work together on repertoire already rehearsed in the sectionals.
Workshops & jam sessions
You can choose from a variety of evening activities including workshops, an extra big band rehearsal or jam sessions.
Concerts
At the end of the course, the big band will perform two concerts of the repertoire they have learned. The course takes place in Destelheide, Dworp.
If you want more info on the different rehearsals, workshops and jam sessions, visit the website of Halewynstichting vzw.
