UCLU Jazz Society was founded over forty years ago. It has always had a big band at its core but currently also consists of a vocal group and several small bands, covering a wide variety of Jazz genres ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. During this academic year alone, the society has staged two shows in the renowned Bloomsbury Theatre, and its small bands have performed at many gigs, both within and outside the University. In addition, the society holds a jamming session once a week in UCL Union, an event which has become extremely popular for musicians and non-musicians alike.
In previous years, the society has undertaken various adventurous projects including tours to the Czech Republic, Spain, France and Holland. The society has commissioned compositions and arrangements for its performers, produced several recordings and organised workshops to encourage those less experienced musicians who are keen to get involved. UCLU Jazz Society actively seeks to bring the daunting yet exhilarating experience of departing from the written page and improvising to all of its members.
Apart from being totally dedicated to the success of the society in all its performances and other musical achievements, it also provides an excellent social network for everyone with an interest in Jazz. There are regular social activities for members to get involved in, such as attending gigs and concerts around London, as well as some less jazz-orientated social events!
The society was awarded “Society of the Year” in both 2000 and 2001, and its committee members and contributors have been awarded various University accolades on numerous occasions. This success is particularly remarkable given that UCL has no music department of its own, and is testament to the hard work and commitment of its members and organization.
Today, the society continues to thrive, under the professional tutelage of Liz Swain (musical director of the Vocal Group and previous Big Band conductor) and Lawrence Tatnall (newly appointed Big Band conductor in January).
In previous years, the society has undertaken various adventurous projects including tours to the Czech Republic, Spain, France and Holland. The society has commissioned compositions and arrangements for its performers, produced several recordings and organised workshops to encourage those less experienced musicians who are keen to get involved. UCLU Jazz Society actively seeks to bring the daunting yet exhilarating experience of departing from the written page and improvising to all of its members.
Apart from being totally dedicated to the success of the society in all its performances and other musical achievements, it also provides an excellent social network for everyone with an interest in Jazz. There are regular social activities for members to get involved in, such as attending gigs and concerts around London, as well as some less jazz-orientated social events!
The society was awarded “Society of the Year” in both 2000 and 2001, and its committee members and contributors have been awarded various University accolades on numerous occasions. This success is particularly remarkable given that UCL has no music department of its own, and is testament to the hard work and commitment of its members and organization.
Today, the society continues to thrive, under the professional tutelage of Liz Swain (musical director of the Vocal Group and previous Big Band conductor) and Lawrence Tatnall (newly appointed Big Band conductor in January).