The Trad Jazz Society of Alberta is proud to announce the launch of the High Level Big Band, beginning in September 2026. This new community big band provides an exciting opportunity for musicians aged 18–39 to perform in a large-ensemble setting focused primarily on the classic big band repertoire.
The ensemble will explore the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Fletcher Henderson, Artie Shaw, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Charles Mingus, and Woody Herman, while also venturing into selections from more modern big band composers and arrangers.
Each season will feature two major concerts—one in early December and another in late April. These performances will be shared with the High Society Band, giving members of the High Level Big Band the unique opportunity to perform alongside some of Edmonton’s finest professional musicians. Additional concerts, workshops, and special events will take place throughout the season, providing further performance and educational opportunities for band members.
Mission Statement
The High Level Big Band is both a musical ensemble and a developmental platform, designed to occupy a distinct and meaningful niche within Edmonton’s jazz community. While many big bands focus broadly on swing-era repertoire or contemporary charts, the High Level Big Band places a deliberate emphasis on musical excellence rooted in the early big band tradition, treating this repertoire not as background music or historical shorthand, but as a living, demanding art form.
A central advantage of the ensemble is its deep engagement with the roots of big band music. Rather than glossing over early swing-era styles, the band explores the musical language, phrasing, ensemble balance, and rhythmic feel that defined the formative years of large-ensemble jazz. This focus serves both an educational and artistic purpose, reminding musicians and audiences alike of the extraordinary creativity, virtuosity, and innovation that shaped the big band era. By studying and performing this music with care and intention, members gain a stronger stylistic foundation that supports their growth across all forms of jazz performance.
The age-focused membership (18–39) addresses a demographic that is often underrepresented in community music-making—too experienced for youth ensembles, yet not always well served by fully professional or long-established community bands. The High Level Big Band is designed to meet these musicians where they are: ambitious, developing, and seeking meaningful musical challenges within a supportive but demanding environment. This focus fosters a sense of peer connection, shared artistic goals, and generational continuity within the jazz community.
Annual auditions play an important role in maintaining the ensemble’s vitality. They encourage healthy turnover, artistic renewal, and constructive competition, ensuring that the band remains dynamic while providing ongoing opportunities for emerging musicians to participate. This structure supports personal accountability, motivates continued improvement, and helps cultivate a broader, more engaged musical ecosystem within the city.
Membership in the High Level Big Band offers significant benefits beyond regular rehearsals. Musicians gain access to high-level ensemble experience, mentorship through shared performances with the High Society Band, and additional concerts, workshops, and educational opportunities throughout the season. Together, these elements create an environment that balances discipline with inspiration—one that challenges musicians to refine their craft while celebrating the enduring power and relevance of the big band tradition.
Auditions
The High Level Big Band will be an auditioned ensemble, and In-person auditions will be held in early September. Auditions and rehearsals will take place at Brandenburg Music (15907 100a Ave NW). Video auditions can also be submitted to tradjazzalberta@gmail.com, on or before the In-person auditions.
Being in the band one year does not guarantee membership in the band in following years. Each year, auditions will be held anew and past-members have to re-audition to make the cut.
Horns (saxophone, trumpet, trombone): Play two major scales of your choice, one or two octaves. Perform a short musical excerpt (1 minute or so) of a prepared piece chosen by the auditioner in the “swing” style. Sample audition etudes are included below for reference.
Guitar/Piano/Bass: Play two major scales of your choice, two octaves (2 hands for pianists). Perform a short musical excerpt of a prepared piece chosen by the student in any musical style. Please “comp” two choruses to the blues in Bb and one chorus of a jazz standard of your choice (such as Satin Doll, Take the A Train, It Don’t Mean A Thing, All of Me, etc.). This can be with virtual accompaniment (iRealPro or play-along track). You will also be asked to sight read a short excerpt
Drums: Play a prepared etude or play along to one track of music of your choice from any style. Be prepared to demonstrate as many of the following styles as you can play
Medium Swing (sticks), qtr note = 120 bpm
Up tempo Swing (sticks), qtr note = 240bpm
Bossa Nova (sticks), qtr note = 120 bpm
Samba (sticks), half note = 110 bpm
Medium Swing (brushes), qtr = 120 bpm
Fast Swing (brushes), qtr note = 240bpm
Ballad (brushes), qtr note = 80bpm
Jazz Waltz (brushes), qtr note = 144 bpm
Boogaloo (sticks), qtr note = 144 bpm
Funk (sticks), qtr note = 75 bpm
Cha-Cha-Cha, 3-2 and 2-3 son clave (sticks), qtr note = 120 bpm
Mambo, 3-2 and 2-3 son clave (sticks), qtr note = 240 bpm
Afro Cuban 6/8 (sticks), dotted qtr = 120 bpm
Vocals: We will NOT be accepting auditions for vocalists. While we will be performing with vocalists, all vocalists will either come from one of the positions in the band, or be performers invited to sing with the High Level Big Band. The reason is that the primary focus of the band will be the instrumental music.
Example Etudes
Alto Sax
Baritone Sax
Bass
Drums
Guitar
Piano
Tenor Sax
Trombone
Trumpet
Fees
For those who are successful, the annual non-refundable membership fee will be $450 for the year. A deposit of 50% ($225) is required upon successful acceptance into the band, payable by the first rehearsal in October.