Have the time of your life performing instrumental and vocal jazz with BC bOp! This exciting and versatile ensemble performs a wide variety of jazz charts from traditional big band to modern fusion.
Contact
Sebastian Bonaiuto
Ensemble Director
bonaiuto@bc.edu
Student Executive Board
bop.eboard@gmail.com
What sets us apart:
BC bOp!’s instrumental and vocal resources allow the ensemble to create a broad and engaging sound for all listeners to enjoy. Take part in annual performances on BC’s campus, across the Greater Boston area, and throughout the nation.
- Special events include our sold-out showcase in the Robsham Theater, a collaborative Christmas Concert, and a jazz immersion trip.
- Vocalists receive a small stipend.
“bOp! is a very welcoming and collaborative environment, with students from a wide variety of majors represented. Everyone has a hard working spirit and it shows in our performances and gigs.”
Rehearsals
Instrumentalists rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Vocalists rehearse on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays with the instrumentalists from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Both instrumentalists and vocalists hold a weekly sectional. Rehearsal times are determined by the section.
Auditions
Auditions to determine membership are held in the first week of the academic year.
2025-26 Auditions
Two optional Info Sessions available at Conte Forum Band Room
Monday, August 25th 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
and 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Instrumentalist Auditions
Mandatory Reading Session with Full Band Tuesday, August 26th from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Individual Auditions on Sunday, August 31st from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Vocalist Auditions
Individual Audition: Thursday, August 28th, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.Callback Rehearsal: Friday, August 30th, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.Final Audition: Monday, September 1st, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.All sessions are held at Conte Forum Band Room unless otherwise specified
The audition process for BC bOp! instrumentalists consists of a reading session and an individual audition. The reading session is just like a typical rehearsal where everyone plays together. Everyone is required to attend the reading session. The audition music is distributed at the reading session and is for the student to take to practice for the individual audition. The audition process for BC bOp! vocalists is a solo audition, a callback rehearsal and a final audition. Candidates select a song of their own choice for the solo audition. For the solo audition, vocalists may select a standard jazz solo, a musical theater selection or a popular song. Vocal candidates are provided with short musical excerpts to learn for the callback rehearsal.
Instrumentalists have nothing to prepare in advance of the audition. The audition music will be distributed at the reading session. The audition music consists of an excerpt from a piece that we rehearse at the reading session. Students will take the music to practice for the individual audition.
Vocalists should prepare a solo of their choice for the solo audition. Vocal candidates may select a standard jazz solo, a musical theater selection or a popular song. Vocalists who are called back prepare a few short excerpts of ensemble songs.
BC bOp! Instrumentalists rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 pm to 6:30 pm. Instrumental full ensemble rehearsals add up to of 4 hours per week. BC bOp! Vocalists rehearse on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (with the instrumentalists); and Fridays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
All members (instrumentalists and vocalists) are expected to practice outside of rehearsals to prepare the music. Individual practice time will vary for each member.
BC bOp! typically performs 3-4 times per semester. Most performances take place on campus. Occasionally, an off-campus performance is scheduled. A short trip in the spring semester will include one or two performances. BC bOp! performs twice during the Boston College Arts Festival at the end of April.
Yes. The Boston College Bands Program maintains an inventory of high-quality instruments that we loan to students who play in our ensembles at no cost. Contact the Bands Office at bcbands@bc.edu to arrange an instrument loan.