We are a community band formed of players from all around the world with the aim of bringing more playing and listening opportunities to the people of Auckland. Founded in June 2017, we encourage  musicians of all ages and backgrounds to come together to play in a friendly and relaxed environment, and have fun whilst doing so! Rehearsing regularly on Tuesday nights, we play from a range of genres and our repertoire is ever growing! We played our first ever gig in November 2017 and have since played in venues all across Auckland.

If you're keen for us to come and play at your venue or event, please don't hesitate to get in touch! 

MEMBERS

We'll take all sorts! We're a mixed and growing bunch of 20-somethings to 70+. We ask that you play one of the instruments of the classic Big Band (think saxes, trumpets, trombones and rhythm), and are able to read music to at least Grade 4 standard. There's no audition, no commitment and no limit on membership numbers. It's that simple.

Interested? We would definitely love to hear from you! Click here for more information.

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Our members, including MD, are all volunteers, and all pay a small fee ($20 per month) to cover our ongoing rehearsal costs.

REHEARSALS

The band rehearses regularly in Mt Eden on Tuesday nights from 6.30/6.45pm to around 9pm. Contact us for more information.

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While it's ideal if you're able to attend rehearsals frequently, there's absolutely no expectation for you to do so. We've all got other lives! Just come when you can.

MUSIC

We've got an ever-growing repertoire of classic big band standards, including Sammy Nestico and Glenn Miller. We're always open to ideas and suggestions for music to play.

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As this is jazz, there are solos, both written and improvised, but you're under no obligation to perform if you don't want to! We're entirely relaxed, and hope you might gain the confidence to have a go in time.

A BIT MORE...

The band was founded by a couple of Brits, Alex and Emma, who played together way back in the Big Smoke as members of the South London Jazz Orchestra. Fresh faced off the plane in New Zealand, and with nothing better to do with their time, they founded the Auckland Big Band in June 2017. Although Alex and Emma have now sadly gone back to the UK (and to the South London Jazz Orchestra!) the band continues to grow and we now regularly play gigs in and around Auckland, under the leadership of a couple of other Brits, Laura and Alana who manage the band now.