About our band:

Our members enjoy playing music covering the history of big band jazz, from the 1930s through today.  Our book includes charts from the libraries of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones, Bob Florence, Gordon Goodwin, and many many others (including originals by local writers). 

Our band has the standard modern jazz big band instrumentation of 5 saxes (who may double on other woodwinds), 4-5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums.  At times, we may be looking for capable musicians to fill open “chairs” in the band, or identify potential “subs” who might sit in with the band when one of our regulars is unavailable.

About playing in our band:

For our "open" chairs in our band and substitutes (see below), we look for the following:

• Enjoy playing jazz and playing in a big band setting with other players.

• Knowledge of and experience playing big band jazz.

• Ability to “sight read” charts
  (as we have an extensive library and like to read through a variety of charts at each rehearsal).

• Availability to consistently be available on Sunday evenings in Greer for rehearsals
  (consistency essential to fill an empty chair, less critical to be a potential “sub”.  Our members live as far west as Pickens County, and as far east as Spartanburg and Laurens County.  As long as you can make it to Greer consistently, we'd love to talk!)

Our current "open" chairs include the following:

• Bass (Upright and/or electric). You should be able to improvise a walking bass line on a chart of a basic jazz progression, as well as read basic bass line charts in styles including swing, latin, funk, etc. 

• Piano.  You should be able to improvise both melodically (i.e. jazz solos) and "comping" on a chart of a basic jazz progression, with voicings and rhythms in styles including swing, latin, funk, etc.

• Trumpet.  You should be able to play written parts in jazz styles (see the list of composers above to get an idea) including swing, latin, funk, etc., fitting into a unified section sound for parts up to at least a high "C".  Ideally, you can also improvise a solo on a chart of a basic jazz progression, and on occasion cover a lead trumpet part.

If you are interested:

If you are interested in playing with the band as a sub, please reach out to our leader, John McClimon at PoinsettJazz@gmail.com.