MCB ENSEMBLES
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MCB Phoenix Project
The Phoenix Project is open to competent amateur or professional musicians. The instrumentation of the band includes upper and lower brass and wind instruments, piano, drums and electric bass. The Phoenix Project is lead by Ben Gillespie. We welcome new members who play a brass, wind or rhythm section instrument that fits with the jazz and world music genres. Band members are a mix of amateur and professional musicians who generally have a more advanced level of musicianship with their instrument. That said, we welcome all new members who feel comfortable playing with the band or who are interested in extending their musical ability. The band is available to perform at community events and other functions. Contact us Listen to more Phoenix Project recordings here. |
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MCB Krysalis
The Krysalis band is open to anyone who is learning a musical instrument. The instrumentation of the band includes upper and lower brass and wind instruments, piano, drums and electric bass. The band is led by Tom Williams. We welcome new members who play a brass, wind or rhythm section instrument that fits with the jazz and world music genres. The band provides a safe and supportive environment for learning and improvisation. Members choose to participate in improvisation to a level that they’re comfortable with. The band is available to perform at community events and other functions. Contact us |
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Resident groups & ensembles
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Big Band Frequency
Big Band Frequency was launched in 2012 and performs regularly around Melbourne. Their repertoire includes jazz, funk, Latin and blues and they are a dynamic group with some serious talent on board! |
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Low Down Big Band
The Low Down Big Band is an 18-piece band playing a mix of Trad, Blues, Funk, New Orleans, and Contemporary styles. Under the leadership of guitarist Ben Delves, you can expect high-intensity, hard-swinging, funk-filled fun when Low Down hits the stage. Drawing inspirations from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Charlie Parker, and Maria Schneider, the band aims to continue in the traditions of former greats, while also developing new opportunities through unique repertoire and original material that explore the possibilities of contemporary Big Band music. |
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JC Little Big Band
A 10 piece Jazz/Swing band lead by saxophonist Jason Chalmers, playing all the classics from the big band eras, from early 1930s swing to the 60's classics from Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and everything in between and beyond. |
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Heidelberg Wind Ensemble
The Heidelberg Wind Ensemble was established in 2007, and is one of the performance ensembles of Heidelberg Orchestras Inc., offering vital opportunity of community music making. Heidelberg Wind Ensemble maintains the vision of giving opportunities for highly skilled musicians to play interesting and challenging works for this instrumentation, especially those written from the 20th and 21st Century. We commission original works from Australian and International composers and presents numerous Australian Wind Band première performances each year. Our primary performance venue is St. George East Ivanhoe: Warncliffe Road, East Ivanhoe. The ensemble has approximately 40-45 players, with essentially one player per part, and all positions are auditioned. This Wind Band requires high standard performers on all instruments. The ensemble performs frequently with guest solo artists and guest conductors, providing a platform for many talented young musicians in Melbourne to show their skills in performance and gain invaluable experience. Stephen Carpenter is the founding Musical Director and principal conductor of this ensemble. Stephen has been the principal or guest conductor of wind band performances internationally in America, New Zealand, Singapore, China and The Netherlands. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 9:40 pm at Cross Street Music Hall in East Brunswick. Vacancies often exist for specific instruments. New members are most welcome. See application form here For all enquiries please email |
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Ray Pereira African Drumming
Ray Pereira was one of the pioneers in introducing African Drumming to the wider community and has taught Djembe and other African Drumming styles to thousands of students all over Australia. He runs classes at Cross Street Music Hall on Thursday evenings. Website |
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Firefly Saxophone Quartet
Formed in early 2025, the Firefly Saxophone Quartet brings together saxophonists of all backgrounds to to come together, play, and have fun making music. Rehearsals are held every Saturday morning from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Merri-bek City Band Hall. The repertoire ranges from intermediate to advanced level works, offering both challenge and camaraderie. New members are always welcome! |
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