Swingle Bells
- Date and time
- December 2026 (TBC)
- Location
- The Dairy, London Road Campus
- Cost
- Free
- Event type
- Gig
Jazz
Big Band
Our two professionally led jazz groups approach jazz from opposite directions. Think of it as an East Coast / West
Coast rivalry — just with considerably better manners.
Big Band is 'Los Angeles': big, bold, polished and packed with
energy. Big Band captures the classic West Coast sound: tight ensemble playing, powerful arrangements and all the excitement of a full jazz orchestra. If you love the thrill of a
great set-piece performance, this could be your musical home.
Is it right for me?
- Standard
-
Ready for a challenge?
Grade 5 standard
- Audition
-
Audition required
No, but some instruments are auditioned (see below)
When and where?
- Rehearsals
-
Mondays, –
- Location
-
G01, L29
London Road Campus
How do I join?
- Organiser
-
University of Reading Music Ensemble
You will need to be a UoR Music Ensembles member.
About Big Band
The music we play is varied from traditional jazz swing to pop, gospel and funk. The band also have a mixture of vocal and instrumental tunes and will focus heavily on the specific musicianship required for performing within a big band. For those who are wondering, the big band is a 17 piece (we expand this ensemble to accommodate as many people as feasible) that predominantly performed for vocalists (Think Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald) in swing era of the 20th Century. This type of ensemble has now developed to suit much more eclectic settings and the aim is for our band members to experience the full spectrum of big band music.
Rehearsals are fun and challenging; I aim to get the most out of each musician, regardless of their current skill level. The ethos of the band is that we are one big family, so both musical and rehearsal commitment is required from the start. This mentality has proven time and again to foster not only musical development but also lifelong friendships, bonds and memories among band members.
There are multiple opportunities for the band to perform throughout the year. Our stomping ground is The Dairy pub on London Road Campus. We have also performed at the Hexagon, The Great Hall, Swing Dance society events as well as the Community Festival.
All our ensembles expect commitment – both turning up for all (or almost all!) rehearsals, and turning up early enough to be ready to start on time (with music, pencil, blah blah blah!). Obviously we understand sometimes things happen, but it should be rare, and you should always get in touch with us, and explain, to let us know.
Upcoming events
Open Week Big Band
- Date and time
- 1 February 2027, 19:30–21:30
- Location
- Building L29, Room G01, London Road Campus
- Cost
- Free
- Event type
- Join in
Here’s audition info in full:
Dear all,
Welcome! This is for those interested in auditioning for the University of Reading Big Band. Please note that only the rhythm section and vocalists are asked to audition at this stage, so ignore this document if it does not apply to you.
This audition process will be handled virtually, so please read the instructions carefully and contact me if you have any issues at daehyunlee8@gmail.com
Interested applicants should be excited at the prospect of committing to the weekly rehearsals (Monday 7:30-9:30pm term times) and performances throughout the year.
The submission details are at the bottom of this email.
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Upper voice/Female-identifying vocals (alto/soprano)
Please film yourself singing any big band repertoire in an appropriate key for your voice. You only need to sing one verse, or ‘head’ of the song. Optional; if you are comfortable scatting, please feel free to demonstrate this in any way you wish. You may use a backing track, but acapella is completely fine, if not preferred. If you do choose to use a backing track, please ensure your voice is heard clearly. If you are unsure of what repertoire to choose, here are some great big band vocalists: Ella Fitzagerald, Diane Schuur, Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Wilson.
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Lower voice/Male-identifying vocals (tenor/bass)
Please film yourself singing any big band repertoire in an appropriate key for your voice. You only need to sing one verse, or ‘head’ of the song. Optional; if you are comfortable scatting, please feel free to demonstrate this in any way you wish. You may use a backing track, but acapella is completely fine, if not preferred. If you do choose to use a backing track, please ensure your voice is heard clearly. If you are unsure of what repertoire to choose, here are some great big band vocalists: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr., Bing Crosby.
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Drums, Piano, Guitar, Bass
Please refer to the PDF attached of ‘A Warm Breeze’ (Scroll down the PDF to see your part)’. Using any camera device (video does not need to be high quality), please film yourself performing bars 149-179 inclusive. If you have any rests, continue to keep time in your head and perform the rest of the passage rather than skipping this section. Do not use a metronome but keep to the speed of the score as close as you can. Pianists, you may choose your own appropriate voicings rather than the written notation.
– Contact music@reading.ac.uk if you need to book a room and/or have access to equipment.
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SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit your video via whatsapp (or email, if preferred) to Dae Lee: 07428749297 (+44 UK code if international phone). Email is daehyunlee8@gmail.com.
Please state your full name in your video, or let me know over WhatsApp/email.
This must be submitted no later than 17:00pm Wednesday 7th October .
Many thanks,
Dae Lee
Please let us know if you have any issues accessing this.