The Big Band has been playing its unique style of large group jazz around the Yukon since January 1990. Originally known as the Circumpolar Swing Band because it was formed to provide entertainment at 1990's Circumpolar Health Conference in Whitehorse, the group has been performing at a great variety of events ever since. Past appearances include the Frostbite, Alsek and Dawson City Music Festivals, the Visit of Future King Charles III, 2007 Canada Winter Games as well as cabaret-style dances at the Yukon Arts Centre. The Big Band has also made numerous appearances at banquet/dance events which have included the Canadian Medical Association Annual Convention, the Yukon Law Society Christmas Gala and the Yukon RCMP Centennial Reunion.
The Big Band sets up as a standard stage band with five reeds, four trumpets, three trombones and a three piece rhythm section. Repertoire ranges from the 1940's big band classics to the latest big band arrangements. The range of musical styles which the Big Band can provide makes it possible to tailor the musical program to the event being played.
The group is equally comfortable in a concert, dance or program setting and can provide high quality musical entertainment in virtually any venue.
Bookings
The Big Band is incorporated under the Societies Act of Yukon and accepts a limited number of engagements.
Rates vary depending on the type and location of the event being staged. Please direct booking inquiries to our Band Manager via email or phone (867) 335-1333.
Auditions
Are you interested in joining the Big Band as a player?
Over the last 20 years we have had some member turn over - yes, we know, hard to believe - and there are sometimes unfilled positions that we are recruiting for.
Currently, the Big Band is actively recruiting! We are looking for a guitar player and a tenor sax player. If you are seriously interested in joining the Big Band and you can commit one night a week (Monday nights) to rehearse with the band then please contact us for an audition. You can email the Big Band at info@bigband.ca or call George at (867) 335-1333 to discuss coming out to give it whirl.
Even if you've been away from your instrument for awhile, please feel free to contact us. You should be able to read music and be willing to work with an eclectic dedicated group of musicians. (soon you may be one of the eclectic ones!)
We look forward to hearing from you.