Trinity Laban
Next Wave Big Band
King Charles Court
Mondays (term time)
Event details
The Trinity Laban Next Wave Big Band is back! Next Wave is an exciting and FREE jazz project for young musicians aged 11-18 years old that will tackle some of the most popular big band repertoire of the twentieth century. You’ll be performing some great pieces by some of the icons of the big band movement – we’re talking Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams and Fletcher Henderson.
Rehearsing weekly at Trinity Laban’s iconic music building in Greenwich, you will learn the music together both ‘by ear’, and through reading charts. Led by Jazz Fellow Otto Kampa, the focus will continue to be on developing strong ensemble playing, improvisation and musicianship in a supportive environment, while offering new challenges for those who are ready for them.
Next Wave musicians will be guided by some of London’s most exciting and upcoming musicians from Trinity Laban’s jazz programme, with occasional skills development sessions offered as part of the project. There will be opportunities across the year to connect up with other jazz activity at Trinity Laban, including regular Masterclass days, side-by-side opportunities, and to take part in public performances, which in 25/26 included Trinity Laban’s Celebration of Youth Jazz and a support act slot at Woolwich Works for Effra Band.
Come and meet other like-minded young people, have a great time exploring and making this fantastic music, and be part of the next wave of jazz musicians of the future.
Time: 17:30-19:00
Dates: from 28 September 2026
Who is the Next Wave Big Band for?
To take part you need to be technically proficient in your instrument, producing a good sound and feel across the instrument, and willing to commit to weekly rehearsals. You should have some experience of playing jazz already, with repertoire, rehearsals and expectations reflecting that. Most of all, you should have a passion for improvising, and for playing and developing together with like-minded musicians of your generation, and a curiosity to explore the big band heritage!
Note – For younger musicians who are less familiar with the genre, do check out our new weekly Wednesday Jazz Hang programme, and watch out for termly Masterclass events on Sundays across the year. Please get in touch with us if you are unsure which programme would be more appropriate for you.
To apply for Next Wave, you must fill out our online form.
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