Tokyo International Music School Jazz Orchestra is a Big Band that brings together young jazz musicians from Tokyo's international and Japanese communities to rehearse and perform a wide variety of jazz repertoire.
Rehearsals
Sundays 16:00-18:00 in Sangenjaya
Performances
A performance takes place at the end of each term.
Term Dates 2024 - 2025
Term 1
Sunday 15th September 2024 - Sunday 24th November 2024
Mid-term Break: 20-26th October
Term 2
Sunday 12th January 2025 - Sunday 16th March 2025
Term 3
Sunday 6th April 2025 - Sunday 8th June 2025
Entry Requirements
ABRSM Grade 5 Standard (see below)
Fees
¥35,000 + consumption tax per term
Click Here to register for the Youth Jazz Orchestra
Why Join?
Being part of a Big Band provides an experience different from playing individually or in a small combo. The experience of performing in a large group with more arranged parts, whilst still having an opportunity to improvise, often encourages instrumentalists to work more diligently on their individual instruments and in other settings.
Aside from the musical benefits (which are the most important), there are many other reasons to join us. We are a friendly community of students from international and Japanese schools, and it is a great way to meet others who share the same interests. We have many students who have commented that their English language skills have improved by taking part in our groups too.
Am I eligible to join the Jazz Orchestra?
We welcome students who play big band instruments at approximately Grade 5 (ABRSM standard) or above. If you are not sure whether you (or your son/daughter) reaches this standard, please email info@tokyoims.jp with an example of a piece you can play fluently - this will help us to work out your current level. Most of our students are of high school age, but we will consider university age students too. Some experience of playing jazz, including an understanding of improvisation is preferable, but not essential.
A big band follows this formation, and we accept applications from these instrumentalists.
4 trumpets
4 trombones
2 alto saxophones
2 tenor saxophones
1 baritone saxophone (we have an instrument available for rehearsals)
Piano
Double bass (or bass guitar)
Drum kit
Guitar
What is Grade 5 ABRSM Standard?
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) provides instrument and voice examinations ranging from Grades 1 to 8. After Grade 8, musicians can obtain a diploma. Grade 5 shows a good degree of technical competency, aural skill and sight-reading proficiency. The exact requirements vary depending on the instrument, but you can find out more about the standard by visiting the ABRSM website or by contacting us at info@tokyoims.jp
Is there an audition?
We ask potential students to send an audio or video recording of a piece they can play confidently, to give an idea of their current level. We will request this once you register for the band.
Am I guaranteed a place in the band?
Some instruments appear in greater numbers than others in a big band. We will offer places to students who participated in the band in the previous term. After that, we will start to offer places to new members.
Where do rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals take place at the British School in Tokyo’s building in Sangenjaya, which is part of the Showa Women’s University campus. Students entering the campus will need to enter via the main gate. The Music Room is on the 3rd floor. Detailed instructions about entering the campus will be provided to students when they are accepted to the group. The address of the campus is Showa Women’s University 5th Bldg. 1-7-57 Taishido, Setagaya-ku
When and where does the band perform?
Each term concludes with a performance. Last year, we held all our concerts at The British School in Tokyo Azabudai Campus. Some of our other previous concerts have taken place at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Yoyogi, and at the Showa Women’s University in Sangenjaya. We will finalise our performance calendar for the 2024-25 year before the end of the summer.
Do I need to bring my own instrument?
Students who play an instrument which can be easily transported are expected to bring their own instruments. There will be a piano, drum kit and double bass available for students to use, as well as amplifiers for guitar and bass. We have access to a baritone saxophone, but a student who wishes to use this must bring their own mouthpiece.
What kind of repertoire will we play?
We would like students to become confident performing jazz, funk, latin and contemporary styles, so we hope to offer a varied programme to explore these different areas. We may also collaborate with the Youth Choir and Orchestra on some works.
Examples of the repertoire performed in previous terms are:
Take the A Train (Billy Strayhorn)
One By One (Wayne Shorter)
Tenor Madness (Sonny Rollins)
Con Alma (Dizzy Gillespie)
Theme from ‘New York, New York’ (Kander & Ebb)
Spain (Chick Corea)
Seven Steps to Heaven (Miles Davis)
Jordu (Duke Jordan)
Impressions (John Coltrane)
Freedom Jazz Dance (Eddie Harris)
Footprints (Wayne Shorter)
Have You Met Miss Jones? (Richard Rodgers)
Who will lead the band?
The band will be led by Jacob Knill. Jacob is an accomplished saxophonist, and has worked with young jazz musicians over many years. Jacob is particularly skilled at improvisation techniques, helping students to understand different approaches to one of the most challenging aspects of performing jazz repertoire. We may also bring additional tutors to work with different sections during the rehearsal process from time to time.
What kind of commitment is required?
We expect students to be present at all rehearsals and performances throughout the term. If you already have plans in place that will make it impossible to attend some rehearsals, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate prior arrangements.
Students are expected to spend time looking over and learning the parts for the pieces we are learning in the band. We will make all of the sheet music available from a shared online folder, so students will always have access to this. We will sometimes produce instrumental guide tracks to assist in students’ preparation for specific pieces.
Will there be any fees to join the band?
The tuition fee for each term is ¥35,000 (+ consumption tax).
Once you have been offered a place in the band, we will provide you with the bank details to make a transfer. Please let us know if you would prefer to pay in another currency (for example from a US or UK account, as this is sometimes possible). Once payment has been received, we will issue you with a membership card.
Can I sign up for one term, or only for the full year?
Students can register for a single term, two terms, or for the full year. Just make sure you select the appropriate box on the registration form.
