Big Band Formation



Course Introduction:
This training, reserved for wind section, is entirely dedicated to the practice of the Big Band, through the work of rereading the great currents and arrangers that mark the history of the genre. The aim is also to play these repertoires in front of an audience. Several concerts are organized during the year.

Under the direction of Big Band, Stéphane Guillaume and Claude Egéa invite the musicians to explore two repertoires a year. In previous years, the Big Band has worked on the repertoires of Thelonious Monk, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bob Mintzer, Bill Hollman, Jaco Pastorius, Gil Evans, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis …

Program:
Every Tuesday night from October to June (102 hours), the trainee joins the CMDL class to play in a large jazz orchestra. He is also expected to perform on stage in the evening.

To apply for the BIG BAND training program, candidates must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

EXCEPTIONS MAY BE MADE; please indicate this when registering online.
Please note that this training program is open to wind instrument players only.

List of documents to provide

  • 1 passport photo
  • 1 cover letter
  • 1 resume
  • Links to view your video recordings (minimum in trio): your interpretation of two pieces of your choice

The cost of the training is 1600 euros.
However, if you self-finance your training, the CMDL supports you by lowering its costs. The cost is then 1000 euros.

Training Funding Devices:

Although this training is not eligible for the CPF (Personnel Training Account), different financing schemes for vocational training may be requested depending on the personal situation of the trainee (artist-performer, artist-author, job seeker or other). We invite you to contact the AFDAS or the OPCO that your employer depends on. You can also turn to your Region or your Employment Advisor.

Afdas
As a training partner for cultural, communication, media and leisure professionals, AFDAS offers several financing solutions according to your status (Skills Development Plan, CIF, etc.).

Your region (Votre région)
This territorial authority is mobilized to help young people to train and facilitate their professional integration. Check with your region to find out what aids are in place.

Employment Division (Pôle Emploi)
Where existing financing arrangements (those of local authorities, OPCO, etc.) cannot support your training project, partially or fully, Contact your Employment Division advisor to see if you can benefit from an Individual Training Assistance (AIF) that will help finance the educational costs of your training.

Course Introduction:
This training, reserved for wind section, is entirely dedicated to the practice of the Big Band, through the work of rereading the great currents and arrangers that mark the history of the genre. The aim is also to play these repertoires in front of an audience. Several concerts are organized during the year.

Under the direction of Big Band, Stéphane Guillaume and Claude Egéa invite the musicians to explore two repertoires a year. In previous years, the Big Band has worked on the repertoires of Thelonious Monk, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bob Mintzer, Bill Hollman, Jaco Pastorius, Gil Evans, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis …

Program:
Every Tuesday night from October to June (102 hours), the trainee joins the CMDL class to play in a large jazz orchestra. He is also expected to perform on stage in the evening.

To apply for the BIG BAND training program, candidates must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

EXCEPTIONS MAY BE MADE; please indicate this when registering online.
Please note that this training program is open to wind instrument players only.

List of documents to provide

  • 1 passport photo
  • 1 cover letter
  • 1 resume
  • Links to view your video recordings (minimum in trio): your interpretation of two pieces of your choice

The cost of the training is 1600 euros.
However, if you self-finance your training, the CMDL supports you by lowering its costs. The cost is then 1000 euros.

Training Funding Devices:

Although this training is not eligible for the CPF (Personnel Training Account), different financing schemes for vocational training may be requested depending on the personal situation of the trainee (artist-performer, artist-author, job seeker or other). We invite you to contact the AFDAS or the OPCO that your employer depends on. You can also turn to your Region or your Employment Advisor.

Afdas
As a training partner for cultural, communication, media and leisure professionals, AFDAS offers several financing solutions according to your status (Skills Development Plan, CIF, etc.).

Your region (Votre région)
This territorial authority is mobilized to help young people to train and facilitate their professional integration. Check with your region to find out what aids are in place.

Employment Division (Pôle Emploi)
Where existing financing arrangements (those of local authorities, OPCO, etc.) cannot support your training project, partially or fully, Contact your Employment Division advisor to see if you can benefit from an Individual Training Assistance (AIF) that will help finance the educational costs of your training.

périodes d’inscriptions

Registration opens : December 10, 2025

Registration closes on : May 31, 2026

Results : September 10, 2026


Information pack


Registration form

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