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Every year, large numbers of auditionees are not accepted into the 16 piece big band society. This leaves players who are not the single best person, but may well be of the standard to play the music, without an opportunity to learn and grow within a large Jazz ensemble. This is a lack of opportunity that many players have been vocal about.

 Whilst there is the Jazz and Blues society, which is non auditioned, it’s primary focus is inclusivity for all, which means that the pieces and standard vary, and many feel they are not stretched by the music played, or on the opposite side, an increase in standard forces those less proficient in their instrument to be ostracised, which undermines the message behind the society. In Jazz Orchestra society, with auditions, yet multiple players per part, all of those who wish to play large group Jazz to a higher level get the opportunity.

Furthermore, Jazz Orchestra society would differentiate itself from Big Band and Jazz and Blues through its piece selection. By focussing only on classic straight-ahead Jazz, Jazz Orchestra society would avoid clashing with the more popular and funk based repertoire of Jazz and Blues, and the more contemporary and also popular based repertoire of Big Band. By doing this, it would also provide a separate space for those particularly interested in the genre.

Overall, there is a very large gap in terms of musical opportunities in LUU, which Jazz Orchestra society hopes to fill.