The JazzSA Superbands are a program of three youth big bands open to South Australian musicians aged 21 years and younger. Each term the Superbands rehearse intensively and perform a full set of music under the supervision of Adelaide’s leading big band directors. The Superbands perform a mixture of classic and contemporary big band repertoire, alongside compositions by local and national composers. The Superbands also work under a different director for each term. Rehearsals are held University of Adelaide (Kintore Avenue) for eight Tuesday nights each term leading up to termly concerts. Auditions are held in Term 4 to select musicians for the following years program.

Student testimonials

Caspar - "The program really fosters a great atmosphere for people to bounce creative ideas off one another. The conductors are all lovely people, and have great communication with the band, allowing the players freedom while still keeping things under control. I also love it that you guys get Ferg to write the set for term 4, really fun music!" 

Theo - "What i like most about the program is the rotation of conductors. Each conductor has their own style and different ideas. This really makes the program interesting and engaging." 

Tom - "Repertoire is fantastic. Such a great way for meeting other musicians. And fantastic conductors with valuable things to share. In general a fantastic organisation" 

Madi - "I really enjoy coming to rehearsal each week, and all of the conductors we have had throughout the year have taught us different things and different approaches. I went from having only been conducted by one or two people at school, to changing conductors every term. And I find that I have improved a lot in sight reading and ensemble playing" 

Justin- "Being able to meet other musicians from different schools, younger and older, has made this program an invaluable experience." 

Tom - "Conductors across all 3 bands were well chosen In Superband 1 each term's music focused on a particular theme or genre in which helped broaden the student's knowledge of those themes/genres" 

Ryan - "I like how the conductors change every term as it gave us a variety of playing and conducting styles." 

Sean - "Each conductor for Superband 2 was amazing, providing insightful and anecdotal information from their experiences as musicians improved by musicality significantly." 

If you would like to promote any upcoming jazz gigs in our fortnightly newsletter please email: jazzsanews@jazzsa.org.au