Blue Mountains Jazz Ensemble back in 2026

We’re back! After a hiatus of several years, the much-loved Blue Mountains Jazz Ensemble had their first rehearsal on Monday 2nd February 2026. Under the leadership of Dave Clayton, an enthusiastic group of a dozen performers blew away the cobwebs and enjoyed rehearsing a number of classic jazz items together. The rehearsal was described as “gas” by one of the instrumentalists!

The music director for the Jazz Ensemble is local musician, David Clayton. Dave has been arranging and conducting music for recordings and performances ever since leaving high school. He has played in the theatre, concert venues and nightclubs on the double bass, trombone and, occasionally, the piano. He spent many years as a high school music teacher, where the privilege of helping young musicians to learn was a very special treat. 

The Jazz Ensemble is one of the sections within the Blue Mountains Concert Band Inc organisation. Interested instrumentalists are required to be a member of either the organisation’s adult band, Blue Mountains Concert Band, or our youth band, Mountains Youth Band. There is no audition process for any of our bands; however being able to read music beyond the beginner stage is necessary. Rehearsals for the Jazz Ensemble are currently being held fortnightly during school terms on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30pm in Warrimoo. For information, contact one of our bands through the website www.bmcb.net.au. 

Images courtesy A Johnson