About BBB

Benjamin's Big Band

Benjamin’s Big Band (BBB) is one of the leading community bands in Australia, with a long and unparalleled record of success. The band was formed in 1992 by Craig Benjamin - a well-known Sydney jazz musician, composer, and band director. The aim was to provide a creative outlet for talented young musicians and associate with other having similar talent. BBB quickly established a reputation both for its high musical standards, and for its big, bold and swinging style. Today, BBB is lead by Band Director, Mr Gerald Steinmann.
The Bands: There are currently two different Benjamin’s Big Bands – (a 30-40 piece Jazz Orchestra) led by Mr Gerald Steinmann) and a 15-20 piece Soul Band (led by Mr Angus Bullough). Both have their own unique style and sound, and both are in demand at various performance venues throughout Sydney and further afield. A third band Garigal Big Band, is also associated with BBB and performs at charity and corporate functions.

The band playing at the Thredbo Jass Festival

	Performances: The BBB bands give some 20-25 performances a year, at venues ranging from local community events to Darling Harbour, the Opera House, the Entertainment Centre, the Town Hall and the Royal Easter Show. The bands usually perform annually at the Manly and Merimbula Jazz Festivals. The bands are often paid for their performances, but also attend regular free performances at local and charity events. Both bands compete at major festivals and have won gold medals at the prestigious Yamaha Music Festival in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2002.
	Tours: In January 1996, BBB undertook a three-week tour to Canada and the USA West Coast. The band of 45 gave highly acclaimed performances in Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. One of the highlights of that tour was a performance on the Main Stage at Disneyland on Australia Day. In July 1999, the 35-piece BBB Jazz Orchestra undertook a 31 day tour to Europe, giving a series of performances at leading jazz festivals and clubs – in London, Paris, Brussels, Holland, Heidelberg, Switzerland, the French Riviera, and at Perugia and Atina in Italy. This was undoubtedly the most extensive European tour ever undertaken by an Australian youth jazz band. Check out our extensive web record under the European Tour. In June-July 2003, a 20-piece Tour band was formed and a 4 week tour through Canada and the eastern USA was organised. A total of 14 performances were staged in locations at Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Quebec, Boston, New York and Toronto. The highlight of this tour was attendance at the Montreal Jazz Festival, the largest festival dedicated to jazz in the world. Check out the Tour Log. BBB was one of a few talented bands invited to audition for the very prestigious Bombay Jazz Yatra Festival in India in August 2000, but sadly had to decline due to other commitments already planned. BBB was also invited to perform at the prestigious Thredbo Jazz Festival during May 2003. This festival draws many professional bands and BBB performed in their inimitable, enthusiastic and energetic style - if only to keep warm!!
	Administration: BBB is an entirely self-funded organisation, run by the Garigal Community Performing Arts Society, the governing body of the Benjamin’s Big Bands. All band members pay semester fees, which cover the combined costs of music, rehearsal venue hire and the Band Director’s wages. In addition, the Committee engages in a variety of fundraising events to help augment these fees, and all band families are asked to assist with our fundraising activities. All BBB tours are traditionally paid for by individual participating tour members. BBB has provided an important creative outlet for hundreds of young musicians on Sydney’s north shore, and has established a reputation that is second to none. All adult band members and junior band members’ parents are welcome to join the committee, and assist with the successful running of the bands. The BBB bands and GCPAS are supporters of AMCOS and have been granted a licence (Licence No.146731) to use and play either live or recorded copyright music in public settings. Due to frequent public appearances by members of Benjamin's Big Band, GCPAS hold current third-party and performance insurance.
	Rehearsals: Both the Jazz Orchestra and the Stage Band rehearse on Wednesday evenings during school term time between 6.15 – 9.30 p.m. at YOYO’s, a Warringah Council Youth Centre in Forestway Shopping Centre, Frenchs Forest. When performing, Band Members wear a distinctive striped polo shirt, red cap and black trousers and shoes as uniform. The shirts and red caps are available from the Uniform Coordinator. All band members are rostered to assist with transportation of equipment to and from performances, and both setting up and packing up at the conclusion of an event. Benjamin’s Jazz Orchestra and Benjamin’s Stage Band are open to musicians from Year six primary school to 70 years of age, and any interested musicians at a reasonable level of proficiency are invited to apply to join BBB.
	Contacts: BBB is available for performances at a wide range of events, and is always ready to welcome new members. Contact the band director for our schedule of performance charges. New members should either telephone 0410 522 442 or send an email to bbigband@ozemail.com.au.

Contact Information
Telephone 0411 827 131
Postal address P.O. Box 171, Frenchs Forest 1640