Frequently Asked Questions
For students
1. How do I join the club?
To join the club as a musician, you must be able to play one of the following instruments:
- Sing
- Accoustic / Electric guitar
- Piano / Keyboard / Synthesizer
- Bass guitar
- Drum set / Percussion
- Other instruments such as brass, woodwind or strings
There will be auditions during the recruitment season, which is the first few weeks of every academic year i.e. August. As there are no dedicated instructors to teach individual members, musicians are expected to have a decent level of proficiency and to be active in picking up new skills along the way.
Students may also join as committee members, although musicians are given the priority to such posts. Committee posts that are open will be announced closer to the recruitment period.
2. Is there a recreational section?
As much as we would love to share our love of music with all interested students, we lack the necessary manpower and resources to support a recreational section. However, you are welcome to sit in our band practices to check out how things are done.
3. How are band practices done?
Members will be assigned to a band of at least 5 members who can practice together at a common time. Each band is allocated 1 practice time slot of up to 4 hours to use the music room on one of the days of the week in the evening. The music room is #01-17 located at Nanyang House in NTU.
Band practices are coordinated entirely by the band members themselves. They are free to exercise freedom and creativity in song choices and arrangements following the general music directions given by the club committee.
4. Do I need to have my own instruments?
Members are encouraged to use their own instruments. However, the club also has various instruments and equipment that club members may use:
- Microphones
- Keyboard
- Synthesizer
- Electric guitar
- Bass guitar
- Drum set
- Miscellaneous percussion instruments
- Trombone and trumpet
- Amplifiers and cables
5. Can I join if I am not familiar with jazz?
It is perfectly fine to join the club without background in jazz, which is the case for many of our members. However, members are encouraged to have an open heart in exploring unfamiliar genres to improve on their musicianship. Jazz and Blues is a great place to start picking up jazz from the repertoire and other members.
6. What kinds of club events are there?
Typically, there would be a Welcome Tea event at the start of the academic year, which is open to all students to interact with the current members. There would also be a Members' Night event for all official club members to get together. Members will then practice with their bands and head out for performances. Please refer to our Events page for more information.
7. How many performances are there?
The club typically organizes at least one school concert every year. Furthermore, the club receives numerous performance requests throughout the year from various internal and external event organizers. Members will gain access to these performance opportunities to experience playing in various settings.
8. How much time do I need to commit to the club?
Compulsory events are few in the club, but members are encouraged to take part in all club activities because the Jazz and Blues experience relates directly to the level of participation.
- Weekly band practice of up to 4 hours, coordinated by band members themselves
- Club events at various points of the year such as Welcome Tea, Members' Night and Internal Showcase
- Performances throughout the year
9. How many points will I get for hall accomodation?
Jazz and Blues would like to have with us a group of student musicians who have the passion for the music they play and the interest to create experiences that are memorable even after graduation. However, we also understand the concerns regarding lodging in school. The following lists the amount of points awarded to club members:
- 7 points: Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
- 5 points: Other committee members
- 3 points: All other members
Please refer to the school web page on the Hall Allocation Scheme (HAS) for more information.
For event organizers
1. Does your club accept performance requests?
Jazz and Blues would love to add the musical touch to your event! Please let us know about your event at least 1.5 months in advance to allow us time to plan and coordinate band practices. It would be ideal to let us know the context of your event so that we can customize the performance to suit your event.
2. What kind of music does your bands play?
The main repertoire of the bands comprises Jazz and related forms of music. However, the bands can also play more mainstream types of music like Pop. Do let us know of any special requests, for example, you might want our band to provide light background music for a classy event, or to perform upbeat music for a lively event.
3. Are there charges for performances?
As Jazz and Blues is a student-run club, our main aim is to provide our student members opportunities to perform at various settings. However, there is a negotiable charge that depends on the duration of performance. This is to ensure that our members always strive to perform to the best of their abilities. Please contact us for more information.
4. How large is your band?
Each band typically consists of 4 to 6 members, including the singer and other instrumentalists.
5. What are the set up constraints?
The space required by the entire band is at least approximately 3m by 4m. The time taken to move all the equipment up the stage (if any), set up and sound check is about 15 to 20 minutes, therefore it should be done before the event or during breaks to prevent the guests from waiting too long. It takes less than 3 minutes to clear the stage. Please contact us for more detailed information.
6. Do you need rehearsals at the event venue?
Rehearsals are usually not needed unless the event organizer requires it, or if it is necessary for the band to test the sound system provided by the event organizer.
7. Can we get a preview of the band's playing before the event?
Certainly. Please contact the band assigned to your event to arrange for a meet-up. You may also watch the videos of our past performances at our Photo Gallery to get a feel of the style of music we play.