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
Will Walker
president@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Tom Karnik
treasurer@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Omri Tau
hornstarsconductor
@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Ruaridh Wilkinson
bujoconductor@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Morgan Hannah
hornstars@bigbandsoc.co.uk
George Leggett
hornstars@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Dylan Reeves
bujo@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Isaac Culshaw
bujo@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Tash Moore
tours@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Ellie Bunce
tours@bigbandsoc.co.uk
James Wright
socialsec@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Jordan White
technical@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Latest news
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.
New Committee
With the AGM and conductors’ auditions now both out of the way, we can now announce the full new committee who will be taking over next year! The future of Big Band Society will be in the hands of: Paul Smith – President Henry Binning – Treasurer Greg Oxenham – Hornstars conductor Paddy Pamment – Read more about New Committee[…]
Hornstars play the O2 Academy
Smack bang in the middle of their hectic Christmas gig schedule, involving gigs at the Royal West of England Academy of Art, the Big Chill Bar, and a splattering of student halls, the Hornstars played the Bristol O2 Academy for SCORE – the University’s biggest sports night. **EDIT 19/02/2014** A recording of this gig is Read more about Hornstars play the O2 Academy[…]
BigBandSoc and Warwick Big Band take over the Anson Rooms!
On November 23rd, Hornstars, BUJO, and special guests Warwick Big Band stormed the Anson Rooms – providing a full on night of foot-tapping jazz and hard-grooving funk. The first gig of the new year for BUJO, and the second of the year for Hornstars – this was a prime opportunity to publicly show off the Read more about BigBandSoc and Warwick Big Band take over the Anson Rooms![…]