Overview for Benslow Big Band Singing Participants
I’m glad you’ll be joining us on the course and I hope the following will give you a practical idea of what you might expect. Educational details are omitted as you will receive these separately.
- The week comprises us singers - many of whom return year after year - and we have our own agenda. Alongside are the big band students – many of whom return year after year and may number 20 or more – and they have their own agenda but gradually we merge.
- A large percentage of staff, tutors and students have known each other for many years so please don’t be fazed by the familiarity and camaraderie or feel left out in anyway.
- For the most part, dress is casual but there is the tutors’ concert - to which students are warmly invited, along with the paying public – and the student concerts. Singers will perform with the big band and also a small band which comprises members of the big band. This is free to the public and you’re encouraged to invite all and sundry. We mention the above as you might like to bring some glad rags! Up to you.
- After work is done each day, we tend to retire to the bar – sometimes until the early hours! The bar shuts at 23:00-ish so if you like a late-ish night, make sure your glass is full before close of play - some nibbles might help soak up the lemonade.
- You do get some free time and the lovely town centre with its amenities is a moderate walk away.
We hope the above helps you to prepare and we look forward to having a productive, enjoyable and musical time with you.
Regards, Jenny & Anton (course tutors)
The Art of Jazz Vocals
Tuesday 5 August to Friday 8 August 2025
Tutors: Jenny Howe and Anton Browne
Benslow Music Trust, Little Benslow Hills, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG4 9RB
Unleash your voice, sing with a big band, and develop your own cabaret set under the expert guidance of Jenny Howe and Anton Browne, vocal coaches on ITV’s The Voice.
STANDARD: Experience of singing to upper intermediate standard is desirable.
Resident: £582 Non-resident £435 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/365
What is the course about?
Reach your potential with clear, concise solutions and a practical tools and advice to develop your singing. Working under the guidance of Anton Browne and Jenny Howe, two of the UK’s top jazz vocalists and coaches, you’ll explore and develop vocal techniques and approaches specific to jazz, study the art of stagecraft and presentation, discover how to make a well-known song your own, learn about microphone technique and improvisation, and explore vocal improvisation and ad libs.
You’ll also have the opportunity to sing with the fabulous big band also resident and create your own cabaret set focusing on showcasing your unique talent. It’s all about discovering your voice and releasing your talent!
The course fee includes a ticket to a night of jazz with Paul Eshelby and friends at Benslow Music on the Wednesday evening. It’s a night not to be missed.
Tutor websites: Jenny - www.jennyhowe.com Anton - www.thesingthing.com
What will we cover?
Workshops will cover:
- Voice analysis
- Range, registers & transitions
- Aural skills and development: hearing the blues
- Phrasing
- Ad-libs, improvisation, running & riffing, scat singing, rapping
- Microphones, microphone technique and PA
- Stagecraft
- A prescribed standard
- An individual standard
What will we accomplish?
By the end of this course you will have…
- Developed your voice and style
- Discovered tips and tricks to take away and apply
- Grown in confidence
- Communicated and worked with other musicians
- Sung with a big band
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Experience of singing to upper intermediate standard is desirable.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
You will work with Jenny and Anton workshop style, and get a chance to sing with the big band also resident that week.
You should prepare two jazz standard songs and bring along chord charts for them. Tutors can allocate a big band song from their library or you can bring your own arrangement.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No. As above, you should prepare two jazz standard songs and bring chord charts with you. Tutors can allocate a big band song from their library or you can bring your own arrangement.
Is there anything I need to bring?
- Enthusiasm and passion
- A wi-fi playback and recording device (e.g. a phone is fine) will be useful
- There is the gig to attend and the opportunity to perform with other musicians in informal student concerts so you may want to bring glad rags as you see fit!
- Friends and family are welcome to attend the gig and any informal concerts.
