JZ All-Star Big Band plays American School
Today was an unprecedented event in many ways for the big band, which itself is still pretty new. First of all it was the first early morning gig for us, having to meet the bus at 8am(!) to get to the Shanghai American School’s Pudong campus for a 9:30 starting time. Second, it was our first school gig at all. Thanks to the efforts of Ian McCuaig, a band teacher at SAS Pudong and an accomplished drummer himself, the band was brought out to the school to play two sets- each for a different set of age groups.
Ian joined the band, playing drums for half the program alternating with the band’s regular drummer Chris Trczinski. There were two drum sets set up so both drummers played together for the final song of each set. Of course they battled it out in an extended dual drum solo, which went over well with the kids.
Hopefully this will get more kids interested in trying out for the JZ All-City Youth Honor big band, as many might not have known exactly what a big band is before seeing the All-star band today. The band will hold auditions for next semester’s Youth Honor Big Band at most of the larger international schools in mid-December. Auditions will also be held at JZ school (in Puxi) and the Oriental Arts Center (in Pudong) on December 16 for those kids whose school will not offer in-school auditions. Auditions for this community big band is open to high school and college-age youth in Shanghai, and costs 2400 RMB for the entire session. A limited number of scholarships will be available for qualified youngsters.
After all auditions are completed, the results will be posted on the JZ School website and all students will be contacted. Rehearsals will begin in January and will culminate in public concerts in March or April.
For more information about the band, call JZ School at 5403-6475.