About the Superbands

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 professional-level repertoire under the supervision of Adelaide’s leading big band directors. Rehearsals are held at the University of Adelaide (Kintore Avenue) for eight Tuesday nights (7pm to 9pm) per term. A full list of rehearsal and concert dates can be found here.

The Superbands provide young musicians who have a keen interest in big band music with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the style and repertoire beyond that of most high school ensembles, through performing a mixture of classic and contemporary big band arrangements, alongside works by local and national composers. Many participants gain a foothold in the local music scene while in the Superbands, through having the chance to interact with like-minded musicians their age, and by bringing their abilities and progress to the attention of the directors. 

Fees for the 2023 Superbands are $170 per term ($680 per year). Successful applicants are expected to remain in the program for the full year.

Guidelines for the 2022 program can be found here.

Student Testimonials

"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 Mark Ferguson to write the set for Term 4 - really fun music!"  — Caspar

"What I like most about the program is the rotation of conductors. Each conductor has their own style and different ideas, which really makes the program interesting and engaging." — Theo

"The repertoire is fantastic, and it's such a great way to meet other musicians. The conductors were fantastic too, and all had really valuable things to share. In general a fantastic organisation." — Tom

"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. I've also found that my sight reading and ensemble playing has really improved this year." — Madi

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

"I thought that the conductors across the three bands were really well chosen. In Superband 1 each term's set focused on a particular theme, which really helped to broaden every student's knowledge of the music." — Tom

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

"Each conductor for Superband 2 was amazing, providing insightful anecdotal information from their experiences as working musicians, which I think has improved my musicality significantly."  — Sean