16-piece blowout band of the swing era

               Chris Winans, Director

Jazz Band Classic is a 16-member brass-wind-and-percussion ensemble dedicated to studying, rehearsing, and performing classic big band jazz music. Modeled on the bands of the 1930's and 1940's, Jazz Band Classic preserves this heritage and, keeping with jazz traditions, incorporates it into the current and emerging styles that define the genre for the present generation.

Rehearsals

Jazz Band Classic rehearses once a week from 7:00-9:30pm in Manhattan, at Carroll Studios, 55th Street between West End and 12th Avenues.

Performances

Jazz Band Classic presents eight performances during its season: three at Garage Restaurant, four at Symphony Space, and a final performance in the Allen Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Clinics

Throughout the season, rehearsals are augmented by masterclass clinics with some of today's most eminent jazz professionals. Back to top

Guest Artists

Jazz Band Classic has featured soloists such as Joe Lovano, Scott Wendholt, Suzanne Morrison, Steve Turre, Warren Vaché, Victor Goines, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Joe Locke, Eric Reed, Lew Soloff, Gary Smulyan and Frank Wess, giving students a chance to play alongside today's most exciting professional musicians.

Auditions

Auditions are held annually in September or October. Please check the auditions section of our website for eligiblity and fee requirements, application information, and audition dates. Note: Prospective applicants are urged to review the Musician Guidelines and check for scheduling conflicts before applying for an audition. Contact us to receive an audition brochure. Back to top

Jazz Band Classic Staff

Chris Winans, Music Director Chris Winans is an active performer and educator. He is the jazz trumpet instructor at Westfield State College in Westfield, MA, and performs regularly throughout the Northeast. Prior to relocating to New York, Mr. Winans was a Teaching Assistant at the University of Northern Colorado where he directed the UNC Jazz Lab Band II and the UNC Salsa Band. In 2005 and 2006, he played lead trumpet and was the featured soloist with UNC Jazz Lab Band I, a group which won the DownBeat Magazine Award for "Best College Big Band" both years. In the same years, Mr. Winans was a finalist in the National Trumpet Competition in Fairfax, Virginia. He received his B.M.E. and M.M. in Performance from the University of Northern Colorado. Back to top

The core teaching programs of the New York Youth Symphony are made possible through leading support of the Surdna Foundation.