The band is a 9-week is a joint project between the Junior and HE Jazz Departments at Leeds Conservatoire bringing together young musicians, current conservatoire students, and alumni, directed by Mark Chandler.
If you are 14-18 and interested in being a part of this fantastic band in 2025, please apply to audition using the link above. You can read about the 2023 band on our news page
Auditions close on Friday 6 December 2024.
The Generation Big Band brings together excellence across all generations of the Yorkshire jazz community. Founded in January 2017, the band consists of alumni who are working professionally in the music industry, existing Leeds Conservatoire students as well as up-and-coming young musicians.
The band is directed by trumpeter Mark Chandler. With combined performances with artists such as Shirley Bassey, George Michael, Gladys Knight, Nancy Wilson, Snake Davis, Shed Seven, West End shows including Cats, Guys and Dolls and Starlight Express, TV shows including The Voice and Starstruck, Mark has the expert knowledge to equip musicians with the skills and knowledge needed for the music industry.
Generation Big Band 2023
The band will rehearse on weekends at Leeds Conservatoire on the following dates in 2025:
25 January, 1 & 8 Feb, 1 & 8 March; 2-4PM
Sat 15 March; 10AM-3PM
Sun 16 March; 10AM-3PM
Performance date: Monday 17 March 2025
Through the audition process, we are excited about reaching out to the younger jazz community and bringing together musicians who are passionate about improvising. Whilst places will be limited, this is a chance to connect with you, so please apply for an audition if you are interested – it might lead to other things.
We are looking for talented musicians up to the age of 18 to join this project. We would expect to receive applications from students aged 14+, although if you are younger and of a high standard on your instrument, please do apply.
To submit an audition, please send two videos to Junior@lcm.ac.uk by Friday 6 December 2024, using the guidance below.
Please send your videos to Junior@lcm.ac.uk. If the files are too large, a website called WeTransfer lets you email large files free of charge. If you have any queries, please email Junior@lcm.ac.uk , we're always here to help.
Job Title: Senior Lecturer
Courses Taught: BA (Hons) Music (Jazz)
Specialisms: Jazz Trumpet, Session work
Mark is one of the top trumpet players in the UK, working internationally and making a living until recently as a session player in London.
Job title: Senior Lecturer
Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Jazz)
Specialisms: Jazz trombone, Session work, Solo and ensemble performance
Jazz Trombonist and Michael Rath Artist Kevin Holbrough is a senior lecturer on the BA Jazz Pathway, specialising in jazz trombone performance. A highly respected jazz trombonist, freelance musician and educator, Kevin has an ever expanding discography not only in jazz but a wide range of musical genres.
Generation BIg Band 2023
