The People’s Big Band
Celebrating The Old By Re-Arranging The New
For pro-amateur musicians, The People’s Big Band offers the chance to play around with the music we all know and love—reimagining pop music and rock music classics through the energy of a live jazz band. Our 20-piece ensemble breathes new life into familiar songs, blending the sounds of swing music, blues, funk, and rhythm and blues. With unique arrangements of tracks like Africa by Toto, Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes, and Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen, our band turns nostalgia into something fresh and exciting.
WHERE TO FIND US
TREFOIL HOUSE, BIRMINGHAM, B1 1HL
SUNDAY EVENINGS, BI-WEEKLY
7:30PM TILL 9:30PM
Calling all music enthusiasts and pro-amateur musicians! Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? The People’s Big Band—one of Birmingham’s most exciting live music ensembles—is looking for passionate individuals to join our rhythm section, brass section, and woodwind players as we embark on a musical journey across the West Midlands and beyond. Whether you’re a saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or French horn player, or love working within a groove-heavy rhythm section, there’s a place for you.
With roots in jazz and influences from legendary bandleaders like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Artie Shaw, our big band captures the timeless feel of swing with the bold attitude of modern funk and soul music. Inspired by the classic orchestration styles of Tommy Dorsey and Fletcher Henderson, and the improvisational spirit of artists like Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, we bring a rich variety of sound to every rehearsal and performance.
Listen To Us
Blues and Jazz Festival
Pick Up The Pieces
Swingamajig 2023
Tribute to Miles Davies
What people are saying
I was looking for a high-standard community-based orchestra for the chance to meet new people and share my love of music. The People’s Orchestra definitely fit the bill! I have made friends for life, had the opportunity to play fantastic and have been part of unique and exciting projects.
The People’s Orchestra epitomises genuine equality of opportunity, whereby musicians from every socio-economic and ethnic background, from teens to seniors, come together to share the joy of music making with one another, and with their ever-increasing audiences in live performance. Every town and city should have a People’s Orchestra.
If I were summarising the whole orchestra, I would call it fun. The atmosphere and the vibe have been amazing. Every rehearsals’ been full of energy and enthusiasm. There are lots of music from films, TV shows and books. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
It was absolutely brilliant! It has taken me 51 years but I have finally sung on stage!
The People’s Orchestra brings people from all walks of life together, helps them hone their skills, not just in a musical aspect, but in a way that develops you as a person.
Inclusive. Everyone really cares about music in the orchestra.
Great friends I have made & the music we all sing together is such an amazing sound. I loved every single minute. Can we do it again next week?
I joined TPO 10 years ago to play Star Wars, and today, I get to be Princess Leia.
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