The Shenandoah Conservatory Little Big Band is a hybrid group comprising six to eight horns and three to four rhythm performers that combines the ensemble and chart reading requirements of a big band with the improvisational freedom and expectations of a small group.

All students are expected to improvise and are encouraged to arrange/compose for the ensemble. Being smaller and more flexible than a big band, arrangements for the group can occasionally be comprised of sparse notations and be dependent upon improvisation. Concerts often include multiple student arrangements.

Members of the Little Big Band give you an insight into what it feels like to be part of this unique Shenandoah Conservatory ensemble, where members compose their own works and perform them with their peers, get great director feedback, and feel like they’re part of a great jazz lineage, courtesy of their instructors.