How to Form a Jazz Band
A jazz band is usually a small group composed of horn and rhythm playing individuals. It’s possible for string instrument playing members to be included but their role had more of a visual nature rather than being there to add depth or style to the band’s music.
Members of the Rhythm Section
These may include those playing the percussion, piano, guitar, and other similar instruments. They provide the foundation or base for the band’s music as well as setting the overall tone of each song.
Members of the Horn Section
Those playing the brass and wind instruments make up the horn section of a jazz band. They are responsible of providing the melody as well as serving as primary accompaniment for the band. Common instruments played by the horn section include saxophones and trumpets. The flute and clarinet may occasionally find its way to a jazz band as well.
Big Band Ensembles
While a jazz band can certainly play improvised music any time and rarely works with a conductor, a big band ensemble, which became popular in the early years of jazz history, employed a more formal arrangement when playing jazz music.
Members of big band ensembles can number from a dozen to twenty-five, with members playing rhythms and horns as well as doing vocals. The music of big band ensembles are always pre-arranged, complete with notated music sheets. If one of the members has an improvised routine, it is usually pre-decided by the conductor or arranger.
Tips for Forming a Jazz Band
Now that you know what kind of members is necessary to form a jazz band, here’s how you can go around recruiting the best individuals for your band.
Auditions
Even if you’re just starting out, an audition is still a must. Auditions can be used to set the rules from the very start so that aspiring members know immediately what are expected of them if and when they become part of the band. At the same time, you’ll be able to see – or hear – what you can expect from them and decide if their skills and personalities are a good fit for your band.
Practice
All bands of all genres and levels require practice. A professional studio is ideal but not always practical or feasible. At the very least, choose a place where you can play music as long and as loud as necessary. But more importantly than that, set a schedule for band practices and stick to it!