Great opportunity for musicians ages 13 – 19 for mentorship and experience.
MANCHESTER, NH – The Ted Herbert Music School will offer its Community Big Band opportunity to students ages 13 – 19! The 2026 Session will audition on January 18 and rehearse monthly through June 2026.
The Ted Herbert Community Big Band provides an opportunity for students ages 13 – 19 to rehearse, perform and learn in a large ensemble setting while being mentored by professional working musicians. In this setting, students will have the chance for in-depth study and performance of more advanced repertoire than they would encounter in most public school music programs.
“We’re excited to promote jazz education in the city and help create more opportunities for youth musicians, continuing the legacy of internationally renowned band leader and school namesake Ted Herbert,” said Robert Dionne, Administrator of the Ted Herbert Music School.
In addition to performing alongside our professional mentors, students will acquire valuable skills in advanced jazz interpretation and improvisation, effective and efficient rehearsal techniques, professional conduct, individual responsibility, and advanced techniques for their chosen instrument. This builds individual confidence and leadership skills that the students can take back to their school music programs, extending these benefits to classrooms all over New Hampshire.
The Ted Herbert Music School Big Band will be directed by Thomas Salyers, Ted Herbert Brass Instructor, retired USAF band member and lead trumpet player in the USAF Band of the Pacific.
Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 18 from 1 – 3 p.m. at Ted Herbert Music School and Rentals, 880 Page St. in Manchester. Audition requirements will consist of playing the Prepared Selection which can be found at www.tedherbert.com, Bb or F blues improv and sight reading.
For more information about auditioning visit www.tedherbert.com and to reserve an audition spot please email robertd@majestictheatre.net or call The Ted Herbert Music School lesson office at 603-669-7469
You do not have to be a student at Ted Herbert Music School to audition for this ensemble; all are welcome. There is no cost to audition, if selected to participate in the Ted Herbert Community Big Band there will be a $100 participation fee. Scholarship assistance will be provided to students in need.
Special thanks to our sponsor, The Frederick Smyth Institute of Music.
Other Ted Herbert Music School Instructors will be added to provide mentorship based on the needs of Big Band students.
Rehearsals will then be held from 6 – 8 p.m. one Sunday of each month from February – June 2026. The final performance will be held on June 7, 2026, 3 p.m. at the Majestic Studio Theatre located at 880 Page Street.
The Ted Herbert Music School is operated by The Majestic Theatre, a non-profit arts organization. For more information about private lessons, instrument rentals and other opportunities please visit www.tedherbert.com or contact the lesson office at 603-669-7469.