Aspire Musicians performing for the Khandallah Town Hall Grand Opening Ball - 10 September 2011

News

Aspire is getting under way for 2012. If you would like to join, now would be a good time to let us know.

What are Aspire's bands planning for 2012 ?

Having gone from strength-to-strength in 2011, the Aspire Big Band is giving more performances in 2012. Already under our belt to get the year started have been a wedding reception in Wellington and tour to Nelson Bays. The band's next public performance will be at the Big Band Blast in the Manawatu International Jazz and Blues Festival in Palmerston North's Globe Theatre on 3rd June.

www.jazzandblues.co.nz

Also, the Aspire Big Band has just released its debut album 'Pick Yourself Up' in May 2012. If you would like a copy, please email us.

Aspire's covers band, Felix, plays more contemporary pop/rock music. Having commenced in 2011, Felix is continuing to develop and extend its public performances in 2012.

The Aspire Academy Band continues to expand its repertoire, which it regularly performs for charity and community functions. This band has a strong social and developmental aspect, and can accommodate musicians of an intermediate level.

Both the Aspire Academy Band (at 3pm) andFelix (at 7pm) will be performing at the upcoming Kapiti Music Marathon on 27th May at the Waterfront Brasserie in Raumati:

www.klmc.org.nz

What courses are Aspire offering in 2012?

Aspire is offering two significant courses in 2012. These are:

The Foundation course (started 16 April 2012) - which gives a good all-round grounding in the concepts and practice of live group performance, and

The Advanced Musicianship course (starts late July 2012) - which is a crash course to becoming a professional jazz musician.

We also running shorter 1-3 session workshops on various topics. One for vocalists hasjustconcluded, and there will be more coming. If you are interested, please let us know.

Additionally, we will operate a range of small group combos for people to hone their skills and just have fun.

Vacancies

At present the Aspire Big Band has a vacancy for a competent trombonist.

The Aspire Academy Band is on the hunt for an additional trumpeter and alto saxophonist.

If you would like to develop your skills, there are available places on courses for any instrument.

If any of these sound like you, call us quick, before the gaps disappear.

Aspire is a free community service. There is no fee for courses.