This November you finally have the chance, as Bergen Big Band (BBB) once again presents its popular Big Band Workshop! We are repeating the success and inviting young musicians from across Western Norway!

During the weekend of 21–23 November 2025, BBB will host a new big band workshop for young musicians aged 15–22. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a professional orchestra and to play together with Bergen Big Band. Throughout the weekend there will be sit-ins, tuition, masterclasses, and finally a joint concert.

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BBB consists of some of the leading jazz musicians from Bergen and the surrounding area, all of whom also have extensive experience as teachers and educators. BBB will be represented by 11 performers from the orchestra’s regular lineup, and the musical program will be a journey through the entire history of big band music.

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Participant feedback from previous workshops:

“I loved the tunes we played. Incredibly cool!”

“I liked the sense of safety. As someone new to big band, I was quite stressed, but all the instructors made me feel very comfortable.”

“I’m left with incredibly good follow-up and learning.”

“What I really liked about the course was having professional players sitting in the section so we could learn different things from them.”

“I thought it was incredibly educational and fun.”

“Absolutely top-notch course.”

“It was amazing to work with such great musicians.”

“I’m left with a lot of inspiration and a very positive experience.”

“You were all incredibly kind, and very good at making people sound good.”

“It was an incredibly welcoming playing environment. It could easily have been a pressured, uncomfortable situation where you feel you have to perform, but instead it felt very safe and like an open space for learning. I really appreciate that.”

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ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

BBB aims to contribute to the development of the next generation of big band musicians. As Western Norway’s jazz flagship, BBB seeks to create a unique meeting place within Norwegian musical life, where talented young musicians get to sit in the sections alongside professional and experienced musicians who continuously provide feedback, advice, and tips on stylistic understanding, phrasing, ensemble playing, and improvisation. This gives participants a truly unique, experience-based knowledge that cannot be gained elsewhere.

The big band workshop will take place 21–23 November 2025 at Varden School in Fyllingsdalen, Bergen.
The final concert will be held on Sunday 23 November at 3:00 PM.

The participation fee is NOK 1,000, which covers tuition, instruction, and meals. Travel and accommodation are covered by the participants themselves, but applicants traveling from afar may apply to BBB for travel support. We also have discounted hotel agreements in Bergen city center—please get in touch if this is relevant.

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WHO CAN APPLY

The target group for the workshop is motivated, curious, and engaged young musicians aged 15–22. There are a limited number of places, so an application is required. Young musicians from Vestland, Rogaland, and Møre og Romsdal are encouraged to apply.

Participants will be selected to form a full big band lineup consisting of:

• 5 saxophonists (alto, tenor, and baritone)

• 4 trumpeters

• 4 trombonists (including bass trombone)

• 5 rhythm section players (piano, guitar, double bass/electric bass, drum set, and percussion)

If you are a saxophonist, please indicate whether you also play clarinet or flute.

You may also apply to participate in a masterclass. In that case, you prepare a jazz standard and perform as a soloist with BBB’s rhythm section. If this interests you, please mention it in your application and include a lead sheet with chords and melody.

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HOW TO APPLY

There is limited capacity, as the workshop only admits enough participants to fill a full big band lineup. You will be notified whether you have been offered a place shortly after the application deadline.

Application deadline: 17 October 2025

If you wish, you may submit audio and/or video recordings of yourself playing a jazz standard or a solo piece (or similar). This may be helpful if there is strong competition for places. Recordings should be sent via www.wetransfer.com, Dropbox, or similar to bergenbigband@gmail.com.

Please remember to label all files with your name.

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Link to application form
https://bit.ly/BBBStorbandkurs2025

Questions? Please contact Sindre Dalhaug
Email: bergenbigband@gmail.com

Big Band Workshop with Bergen Big Band 2025 is supported by Rieber Fondene, Vestland County Council, the City of Bergen, Norwegian Music Council, Musikk-Miljø, and Vestnorsk jazzsenter.