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Jazz Bands

The jazz program provides a variety of opportunities for musicians to develop skills in the jazz idiom. Students with no previous experience in this style are welcome to explore what this music has to offer. The program’s faculty includes some of Australia’s leading professional jazz artists. Students in the jazz program will have the opportunity to learn improvisation and also to play the vast repertoire that falls under this genre, including Latin Jazz, Swing, Bebop, and Funk.

Students who find themselves particularly keen on the jazz styles have the opportunity to extend themselves and develop advanced skills that enable them to confidently audition for university jazz programs. Many former students of the Wollongong Conservatorium have completed University degrees in jazz studies and have gone on to become professional jazz artists all over the world.

There is no pre-set expectation for students who participate in the jazz program. If you are doing it to extend your experiences or to have some fun, you are absolutely welcome. There are opportunities for all musicians of any age on any instrument including voice.

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Introduction to Jazz Improvisation

DAY & TIME

TBC

AGE GROUP

Ages 11+

FEE

$292 per 9 week term

LEADER

TBA

For any instrumentalists or vocalists wanting to learn basic jazz and jazz improvisation concepts.

This is a hands-on class where students of all levels will ‘have a go’ at improvising and learning jazz songs. Students must have at least one year of experience on their instrument and be able to play a concert Bb Major scale and a willingness to learn new notes, ideas and concepts. This is an ideal opportunity for pianists, guitarists, and drummers to play in a jazz ensemble.

No prior jazz experience is necessary. Drummers are not required to be able to read music. Guitarists must be able to read tablature and play some chords.

Up to 20 people may enrol in this class.

Jazz Band

DAY & TIME

Tuesday 4.00pm-5.00pm

AGE GROUP

Ages 10+

FEE

$220 per 9 week term

LEADER

Claire Hollander

A band that is suitable for young musicians ranging in age from approximately 12 though to early teens and who have had at least two years of experience on their instrument.

This band is an opportunity for students to learn and play various jazz styles, and for guitarist, pianists, and drummers who may not have had previous experience in a band to learn ensemble skills.

This band also has fun playing at various events and music festivals.

Approximate size of the band is 15-25 students. Entry by audition or recommendation.

Jazz Ensemble

DAY & TIME

TBC

AGE GROUP

Ages 12+

FEE

$220 per 9 week term

LEADER

TBA

In this band you will get to play with other keen musicians who are aged in their early to late teens. You’ll have fun making music and performing at various events including music festivals.

For more experienced students to work on advanced ensemble skills, playing challenging jazz literature with a focus on Latin, swing, bebop, and modern jazz styles, this is a place where many students form a life-long passion for this style of music.

In this jazz band you will hone your ensemble skills and learn how to swing! In the immortal words of Duke Ellington, “It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing!”.

Approximate size is from 15-25 players. Entry by audition or recommendation.

Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra

DAY & TIME

Wednesday 7.00pm-9.00pm

AGE GROUP

Ages 13+

FEE

$220 per 9 week term

LEADERS

Chris Fields

If you’ve really got the bug for playing challenging music with other great musicians, this might be the band for you. The Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra is the flagship band of WollCon’s Jazz Program and where some of Australia’s professional jazz musicians began.

The band has toured China, Japan, and America, and has performed regularly at Jazz Festivals and other concerts.

In this band you will challenge yourself while having a wonderful time playing great music with others.

The age range is from teens to adults, and the approximate size is from 12-25 people.

Entry is by instructor approval or audition.

Small Group Jazz Combos

For students who are interested in working in small groups and developing skills in improvisation and challenging jazz literature in a fun and supportive setting under the guidance of a professional jazz musician.  Students interested in this option will need to seek advice from Jazz Program staff so that they are placed in the appropriate group of similar skill level.  There may be limited availability in these ensembles as they are carefully curated.

Small Group Vocal Jazz Combo (Hummingbirds)

For really small, close harmony group singing check out Jazz Vocal Combo in our Small Group Lessons.

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Your
Instructors

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Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.