I have some students (4) taking the ABRSM solo jazz subjects. Its been fun and so far pretty successful, no one has not passed yet.

Looking through the new Jazz Syllabus (2007) I see myself quickly glossing over the Jazz Ensemble exams page yet again. Its a completely unknown entity and yet i feel it is something that my students would probably thoroughly enjoy. I wonder if any one out their has ever tried the Jazz Ensemble exams or whether they are a rarely ever taken?

I think the problem with this subject is that a teacher has to organise the hire of centre for a 'special visit' and have a minimum number of hours for the board to send an examiner. It seems more involved than the standard exams the board offer.

I'd be interested in perhaps hearing some one from the ABRSM that could shed some further light and clarification about the Ensemble Exams and how the 'Jazz Works for Ensembles' kits fit into these exams.

Tell me more, i'm interested but cautious.

TC

It sounds like a lot of effort to me...but it seems like very few people do them so you may not get an easy answer.

Easier said than done, but give it a go. If it doesn't work then you'll know for next time. but it might be worth it and a good experience

I've no experience of jazz ensembles, but have entered pupils for 'ordinary' (for want of a better word!) ensembles, although only duets.

They have found them really enjoyable, a good way of gaining extra skills, and a welcome change from the graded exams.

It seems that very few people are taking ensemble exams of any sort - when I posted a thread about them last year, there were virtually no replies! - and AB don't computerise the entries, so the exam dates etc, don't appear in the post as early as the other exams.

Good luck, though, I think they are a brilliant idea, and wish more teachers would encourage pupils to do them. It does take a bit of organising, extra rehearsals on top of pupils' normal lessons and so on, but well worth it.