Want to join in 2024/25? 🎷 Find out more
Bristol Beacon
Old Market Assembly
O2 Academy
Cori Tap
Wills Memorial Building
Mr Wolfs
Royal Marriott Hotel
Anson Rooms
SWX
The Fleece
Goldney Hall
The Canteen
About us
The Big Band Society consists of The Bristol Hornstars, our auditioned group, and Bristol University Jazz Orchestra (BUJO), our non-auditioned ensemble. We perform swing, funk, Latin and pop numbers at regular gigs all over Bristol and beyond, and also provide skilled players with paid opportunities through frequent small group gigs.
Our two incredible bands feature the most talented musicians in the university, and we regularly play gigs throughout the city. We are available for hire to all student societies, external organisations and private groups – if you know someone who needs a big band to bring the party vibes, reach out! Follow us on insta @bigbandsoc (or scroll down) for updates on upcoming gigs.
Upcoming gigs
- 20th Nov 2024, 7PM
- The Fleece
Sax & the City
Three titans of sound bring the heat to The Fleece on November 20th - get ready for an unforgettable night of infectious grooves and unmatched vibes.
Sorry, it looks like there aren’t any upcoming gigs available to view right now. Follow us on social media or check back later for updates!
Previous
- BUJO in Concert: Live at the Vic Rooms
- @ The Victoria Rooms, Queens Rd -
- 8th Nov 2024, 1-2PM
- Battle of the Big Bands
- @ Strange Brew -
- 10th Mar 2024, 7PM
- The Bristol Hornstars
- @ Old Market Assembly -
- 1st Mar 2024, 10pm
- Clusterfunk 3
- @ Bristol Beacon -
- 19th Feb, 2024, 7pm
- Malfunktion
- @ The Fleece -
- 27th Nov 2023
Listen
Recorded live by Jonathon Scott and his team of second-year music students from the Victoria Rooms in early 2020 “I Feel for You” is the first official single released by the Bristol Hornstars since their creation in 2008. Arranged by C Mulvenna from the 1984 version by Chaka Khan, this refreshing Big Band take features funky horn licks, powerful harmonizing vocals, and a top drawer sax solo from Jordan White.
“Tremendous brassy reworking of the Chaka Kahn classic. Makes me want to put on my disco shoes, shirt and pants and hit the dancefloor as soon as possible!” – Chris Arnold (BBC Uploads Track of the Week)
Committee
President
Ali Barton
president@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Vice President
Izzy Mastriforte
vice-pres@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Vice President
Zac Smith
vice-pres@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Hornstars Conductor
Oli Manley
oli@bigbandsoc.co.uk
BUJO Conductor
Oscar Pelly
bujo-conductor@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Treasurer
Jack Magson
treasurer@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Hornstars manager
Ellis Howell
bookings@bigbandsoc.co.uk
BUJO Manager
Theo Leckey
bookings@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Socials and Excursions Secratary
Imogen McAra
tours@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Equality and Welfare Officer
Dan Muir
welfare@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Tech Officer
Joe Kooreman
admin@bigbandsoc.co.uk
Hire us
Love what you hear? Let’s make it happen! We recommend giving our guide to hire a quick read before scrolling down and getting in touch to discuss your requirements! See below for FAQs.
Alternatively, get in touch with us using the following email addresses:
Booking requests: bookings@bigbandsoc.co.uk
General enquiries: contact@bigbandsoc.co.uk
You’re able to view all our packages on our ‘How to Hire Guide’ – Please click here to view.
The bands are very versatile when fitting into venues however we do recommend these measurements as a guide to our size.
Hornstars: 16ft wide x 12ft deep (5m x 4m)
BUJO: 25ft wide x 16ft deep (8m x 5m)
Small ensemble (4 Players): 8ft wide x 10ft deep (2.5m x 3m)
Please click below for Spotify playlists containing setlists from previous years:
Hornstars Setlist
BUJO Setlist
We do play events for charity, events such as these are taken on a case-by-case basis, so please get in touch and we can see what we can arrange.
We can be hired for any private event such as: Student Formals, Weddings, Formal Functions and many more…
Still curious? Drop us a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
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Site by Ali Barton.