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.
Big Band Soc is a fun all inclusive society, welcoming ALL musicians who are up for having a good time! We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment in all our rehearsals, performances and socials! As a society we do not tolerate any discrimination, making music at Bristol both fun and enjoyable for all.
Committee
Hannah Williams
president@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Joe Hey
vicepresident.bigbandsoc@gmail.com
George Barnes
hornstarsconductor
@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Abbey Neave
bujoconductor@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Matt Hill
hornstars@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Sam James
hornstars@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Fintan Smith
bujo@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Tom Bowden
bujo@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Grace Harwood
socialsec@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Amy Sheldon
treasurer@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Sam Sheridan
tours@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Matt Hansel
tours@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Ciara Donnelly
media@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Caleb H Evans
technical@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Latest news
Big Band Auditions are approaching!
Big Band Society’s annual auditions will be held Saturday September 28th-Wednesday October 2nd. Auditions are held for all parts in Hornstars and for BUJO rhythm section and vocals. A great way to take part in either of our fantastic ensembles and gain audition experience in front of our esteemed judges – a mixture of senior Read more about Big Band Auditions are approaching![…]
BUJO Wins Southwest Battle of the Big Bands!
On Saturday the 16th of March, history was made: BUJO won the Southwest Universities Battle of the Big Bands for the second year running! We also took home the Best Vocalist award thanks to Grace’s stunning performance (see video). Thanks to everyone who came along to the event! Both BUJO and Hornstars will be performing Read more about BUJO Wins Southwest Battle of the Big Bands![…]
Upcoming Big Band Soc public events (February & March 2019)
Big band society has several exciting public gigs coming up in the next few months! We’ll be performing in a range of venues with a range of atmospheres so there’s sure to be something for everyone. The first event is a performance by BUJO at the famous jazz bar The Old Duke on King Read more about Upcoming Big Band Soc public events (February & March 2019)[…]
AUDITION SIGN-UP DEADLINE
Still interested in auditioning and don’t yet have an audition space? you have until 5pm this evening (Monday 8th) to register interest for the remaining 3 days of auditions. If you have an audition space, we look forward to seeing you, however, if you are no longer planning on coming please let us know ASAP Read more about AUDITION SIGN-UP DEADLINE[…]
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[…]