CMC Prairie Region

2026 Canadian Jazz Composers Workshops: HOW TO WRITE A MIDDLE SCHOOL BIG BAND CHART
2026-04-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Winnipeg) | Alberta
2026 Canadian Jazz Composers Workshops:
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April 25, 2026 – with Chelsea McBride
June 6, 2026 – with Daniel Hersog
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GIVING THE ESSENTIALS: WRITING EFFECTIVE DRUM PARTS – Allison Au
During this session, Allison will share select scores from her 2024 Juno award-nominated album “Migrations”, written and arranged for a ten-piece chamber jazz ensemble (vocals, saxophone, vibraphone, piano, bass, drums, and string quartet). Long-time bandmate and co-collaborator, drummer Fabio Ragnelli, will complement this discussion exploring the individual parts and what makes for effective drum parts in this context.
HOW TO WRITE A MIDDLE SCHOOL BIG BAND CHART – Chelsea McBride
Over the course of this workshop, we will discuss the specific needs of middle and high school ensembles and the traits of effective big band arrangements – and how to marry those two concepts into music that is fun for the ensemble, director, and audience alike. We will discuss a general form outline, instrumentation/alternate parts, range considerations, and how the writing process can influence rehearsal and performance.
TRANSFORMING TRADITION: CRAFTING NEW STORIES FROM OLD MELODIES – Daniel Hersog
Daniel Hersog explores how long-loved folk material can become the foundation for contemporary jazz orchestra writing. Attendees will follow the creative arc – from the moment a folk tune sparks an idea, through the shaping of form and colour, to the final ensemble score. Hersog will break down his approaches to reinterpreting source material, including strategies in orchestration, harmonic reframing, and developing narrative intention. Participants will gain insight into how familiar melodies can be reshaped into expansive, modern works while retaining their emotional core.
Sponsors: Winnipeg Arts Council & the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra
There is no charge for this event, and we hope to keep it this way.
Donations toward this project are welcomed and donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt. (https://www.winnipegjazzorchestra.com/donate.html)
An email with the link to the event will be sent to you the morning of the workshop.
This session will be in English.
​Thank you for your participation in the Canadian Jazz Composers Workshops.
