THE big band-SUMMER SCHOOL option in collaboration with Brussels Jazz Orchestra:
Halewyn Foundation continues its uniquely successful collaboration with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra to keep the rich tradition of big band music alive. This unique formula offers musicians the opportunity to immerse themselves in this distinctive jazz style, as you will spend an entire week working on your instrument skills, participating in section rehearsals as well as with the full big band. And then on the closing night, there will be the final tone moment with the big band.
Through this focused approach, we not only contribute to the survival of big band music in today's musical landscape, but also increase appreciation for the genre among both the general public and jazz enthusiasts.
Big Band
The Halewyn Foundation’s jazz course will be expanded to include a “big band” component under the expert guidance of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. The instructors will be announced in the spring of 2027.
Important: no audition required for BJO Summer School
Good news for new participants: starting this year, there is no longer an audition required to participate in the BJO Summer School. Until last year, we organized auditions for new participants, but experience has shown that everyone who applies is perfectly capable of assessing whether they have the required level. As a result, we have never had to turn anyone away.
Still unsure about your level? Feel free to contact Maarten Weyler at maarten.weyler@gmail.com. We will then work with you to determine whether the course is right for you.
Interested students can choose between two 'big band options' when they register.
Big Band Repertoire 2027
Announcement: Spring 2027
Big band option 1
Big band option 2
Option 1 'Big Band' Full Option:
You follow the full 7-day jazz course, including a big band programme from the afternoon.
Daily schedule | |
| 08.30 – 09.00 09.00 – 10.30 10.30 – 11.00 11.00 – 12.30 12.30 – 13:00 13.00 – 14:00 14:00 – 15.30 15.30 – 16.00 16.00 – 18.00 18.00 – 19.00 19.00 - 21.00 after 9 p.m. | breakfast instrument/vocals (from day 2) break instrument/vocals (from day 2) lunch break section rehearsal (wood/copper/rhythm section) break 1st big band rehearsal supper and break 2nd big band rehearsal classrooms open for jam sessions |
Option 2 'Big Band' Afternoon Session:
You only follow the big band sessions from 2pm onwards.
14:00 - 15.30: section rehearsal (woodwind/ brass/rhythm section)
15.30 - 16.00: break
16.00 - 18.00: 1st big band rehearsal
18.00 - 19.00: supper and break
19.00 - 21.00: 2nd big band rehearsal
During these lessons you will delve into all aspects of making music: improvisation, technique, solos, accompaniment, theory, interpretation and repertoire.
Whether you:
This summer course will take you through all aspects of jazz and big band music: from improvisation techniques and jazz standards to playing in sections and tutti lineups.
Master classes are also held at the end of the week, often with mixed groups such as bass & drums, guitar & vocals.
During the section rehearsals, the repertoire of your section is rehearsed with a limited number of musicians - just the woodwinds, brass or rhythm section - under the expert guidance of a member of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra.
During big band rehearsals later in the day, the repertoire previously studied will be rehearsed in tutti formation, under the direction of Frank Vaganée, artistic director of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra.
In the evening, you can choose between a wide range of workshops, an extra big band rehearsal or jam sessions.
More information can be found on the standard programme page.
At the end of the course, the big band will perform two concerts with the repertoire rehearsed. One on Thursday or Friday (prior to the teachers' concert) and one on Saturday, together with some combos from the jazz week. This concert will take place at Zaal De Put, Destelheide and will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Every night of the week, several classrooms remain open until midnight. You can then play free or supervised jam. In ever-changing line-ups, with fellow students or with teachers.
Level
If you should have any doubts about your level, please feel free to contact: maarten.weyler@gmail.com.
Besides a great atmosphere, you meet a lot of new people with the same passion for this music. At the same time, you get enough material to work with for a whole year (that's what all course members tell us!).
Skills you will acquire on this course include
Artistic expression skills
Knowing the skills to create and develop own musical ideas so that they can be used in one's own performance practice
Repertoire knowledge
Searching for new musical styles and being able to open them up to musical practice
Teamwork skills
Mastery of the skills of musical collaboration in and leadership of various formations, varying in size, level and style
Practice and rehearsal skills
Learning exercise and rehearsal skills that contribute to better self-study with attention to correct and healthy body posture by using the body as efficiently as possible, thus avoiding pain
Reading on sight
Knowing the skills to perform notated musical forms, scores and ideas and being able to read and perform a score by sight
Composing and arranging
Learning the basics of composing and editing/arranging music for varying line-ups and styles
Performing for an audience
Learning to perform in front of an audience and learning to deal with criticism after the performance
Improvisation
Being able to shape and create own music spontaneously
Music history
Know the basics of general music history and get acquainted with specialised historical style developments
Music Theory
Mastering the organisational patterns in music and being able to use them for composition, improvisation, arrangement and performance
Technology
Learn to use various music software packages in everyday practice
Socio-cultural skills
Know communicative and social skills appropriate to the experience of music practice and can use them for
