Our Bands
Hornstars
The auditioned big band of the University of Bristol, Hornstars are a regular fixture at student events throughout the year. A professional standard big band, Hornstars also regularly play for weddings and private parties both in Bristol and beyond.
Small Groups
For more intimate, laid-back events, the society offers small groups of musicians from both Hornstars and BUJO. These groups are tailored to the event, playing a variety of styles to suit, from upbeat funk to relaxed background jazz.
BUJO
Bristol University Jazz Orchestra are true legends on the university music scene. With the horn section open to all players, this mega band are regulars around Bristol, renowned for their classy big band sound and varied sets.
About
Since 2007, Big Band Soc has been entertaining crowds of students and locals alike, with both Hornstars and BUJO becoming household names around Bristol.
For people looking to book a big band, Hornstars offer a professional sounding big band guaranteed to make any event memorable with their repertoire of funk, soul and latin, as well as some more traditional big band tunes. BUJO, titans on the Bristol big band scene, also offer a rich repertoire of big band classics. Additionally, Big Band Soc also offers small groups made up of musicians from both bands which are tailored to the client's needs - ideal for smaller events. All of our bands are available to book for events in Bristol and beyond.
For students, we offer the opportunity to play in two fantastic bands at some amazing events. BUJO is open to horn players of all ability with no limit on numbers, ensuring anyone who wants to play can do so. Holding the band together is a fantastic auditioned rhythm section and vocalists. Hornstars is a fully auditioned band, ensuring a professional big band sound. Auditions are held at the start of the academic year - please visit our 'how to join' page to find out how to sign up.
Committee
James Wright
president@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Liam Taylor
treasurer@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Ruaridh Wilkinson
hornstarsconductor
@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Sam Sheridan
bujoconductor@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Sam James
hornstars@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Joe Hey
hornstars@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Isabella Armishaw
bujo@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Alice Paynter
tours@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Jaymz Cairo
tours@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Hannah Williams
socialsec@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Edward Etheridge
technical@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Latest news
AUDITION DETAILS
Welcome to all the new UoB students, as well as returning ones new to big band soc. Our audition dates have now been announced on our Facebook page; they will be occurring from the 6th to the 10th of October in the Victoria rooms and the Student Union. Sign ups will be opening at Freshers Read more about AUDITION DETAILS[…]
Big Band Tour 2018
For their 2018 summer tour, BUJO and Hornstars took on the sunny beaches of Spain. Arriving at URH Tossa de Mar Hotel, the bands enjoyed the local beach and the neighbouring culture of Barcelona and Girona, as well as performing three brilliant gigs at Platja d’Aro, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar. Provided above is Read more about Big Band Tour 2018[…]
BUJO and Hornstars at the Anson Rooms!
Both big bands and JFS society will be performing at the Anson Rooms (in the Bristol Students Union), Friday 3rd November. Click here to get your tickets. You wouldn’t want to miss a chance to see all three groups performing on the same night!
Big Band land in the Netherlands
For their 2017 summer tour, BUJO and Hornstars made an appearance in the Netherlands. Arriving at Hotel Aan Zee, Noordwijk, the bands had time to catch some sun before they got to play at the Amsterdam Museum, the Delft town square, and a thrilling collaboration with the Utrecht Student Big Band at the Stefanus Theatre. Provided Read more about Big Band land in the Netherlands[…]
BUJO at the Victoria Rooms
The latest concert in the lunchtime series saw the mighty BOOJ entertain a packed auditorium for an hour of exciting horn-shredding jazz. Singers Lydia Bell, Juliet Temko and Tommy Down each took a number, performing Orange Coloured Sky, I Just Wanna Make Love To You and Feeling Good respectively. The band produced a huge sound Read more about BUJO at the Victoria Rooms[…]
Alumni Foundation Keyboard gets First Outing
Itchy Feet Exeter saw the first outing for BigBandSoc’s brand-spanking new keyboard and amp, bought with money from the Alumni Foundation. Playing to a capacity crowd both inside and outside Timepiece, their set went down a storm. BigBandSoc would like to thank The Alumni Foundation for their contribution towards this new equipment.
BUJO and The Bristol Hornstars at the Anson Rooms!
Saturday 15th saw the Anson Rooms and STA play host to a fantastic night of live music from BUJO, Easy Grease, The Feelgood Experiment and The Bristol Hornstars. BUJO kicked off the evening in style, with débuts for new conductor Paddy Pamment and vocalists Juliet, Lydia and Tommy. With an eclectic set of funk, swing Read more about BUJO and The Bristol Hornstars at the Anson Rooms![…]
Big Band in Barcelona
2014 marks Hornstars and BUJO’s week-long tour to Barcelona, where we played a variety of venues including the Richmond International School, the Barcelona Maritime Museum and the Padralbes Centre. Unofficially sponsored by Don Simon Sangria.
BUJO take a dramatic victory in the annual Boojstar cup match
Despite considerable tantrums from the Hornstars red team, the BUJO blues took a 4-3 victory in a brutal game of sporting mediocrity. The sequel will take place on tour in Barcelona, where the Hornstars can try to reclaim their dubious 2013 victory.