How did the Greece Jazz Band get started?
Chuck Huffine started the band in 1997 in response to the community's
desire to hear big band jazz music. Auditions were held in April, 1997,
and the band played its first gig in July, 1997.
What kind if events does the band play
for?
We typically play 2 formal auditorium concerts, usually with guest
groups such as high school and college jazz bands, plus 2-3 dances, 3 holiday
mall concerts, 4-8 festivals, the Greece Supervisor's Concert, a Wegmans Concert
at Charlotte Beach, and 3-5 student and community outreach concerts each year.
At present, we do not play wedding receptions, although the band Executive
Committee is considering this. We do play other private and corporate functions,
upon request.
How many people are in the Greece Jazz
Band?
Because it is a volunteer group and many people have family, work and other
commitments, we try to have extra player in all sections to make sure parts
are covered. At many concerts, we double parts so that everyone plays. At
some concerts, we have people alternate pieces. While not everyone plays all
of the songs under this system, it does allow people to maintain their other
commitments without the band missing parts at concerts. At present, we have
29 people in the band, covering 21 parts (including vocal). We also occasionally
bring in guest musicians when other instruments are called-for (ie: French
Horns).
Can I play in the Greece Jazz Band?
The band is open by audition, when there are openings. In the wind sections,
we strive for 2-3 extra players in each of the three sections. In rhythm,
we strive for 2 players for every part. Email us to inquire about openings.
Even with the extra players, we occasionally require substitutes for gigs.
Please email if you would like to be placed on our substitute list.
Do you have a CD available?
Our first CD was released in December of 2001 and is available for $10.
Email below if you would like to order a CD. They will also be available for
sale at our performances. Proceeds for the sales go to GPAS, which funds the
Jazz Band. Order it here!
Do I have to live in Greece to play in the band?
No. Although many of our musicians live in Greece, some come in from as far
away as Honeoye Falls. However, even if you do live farther away, we do insist
that you show up regularly and on-time to rehearsals and performances.
Can the band play for my wedding reception, company party,
or class reunion?
As of now, the band is not playing wedding receptions. Being a volunteer
group, it is difficult to require people to commit to something that important
so far in advance, especially since they are not getting paid. However, the
band Executive Committee will be considering this policy over the summer.
We will consider requests to play company parties, class reunions, charity events,
and other gigs. Our decision will be based on whether people can commit to playing
the gig, if our performance would fit what you are seeking, and the amount of
payment.
What facilities does the band need for a performance?
At minimum, the band requires a solid surface of not less than 24' wide by
20' deep. We require electrical power and at least 4 electrical outlets. While
we would be grateful if you could supply sound (w/2 microphones) and lighting,
we can supply our own sound system. At the present time, we do not have a lighting
system. We need an out-of-site place to store our cases. We also require a minimum
of ½ hours to set-up before the performance. Being a volunteer group,
we do not have the luxury of setting up earlier in the day or the day before.
We do need access right up to the stage for 2-3 vehicles to unload equipment.
I don't have room for the whole band. Can you bring
just part of the band?
We do not presently have music that would allow us to bring only part of
the band, although forming a spin-off small combo group is under consideration.
At present, its all or nothing.
How much does the band cost to book?
The answer to this question depends highly on the type of function. We will
perform outreach and charity concerts for little or no compensation. However,
for private functions, our fees are comparable to other jazz big bands in the
region, and depend on the length of time we would play. Leave in email message
or call Chuck Huffine if you have and event or locations that you would like
us to consider playing at.