Jazz Society: Gigs Manager

Hi everyone! My name is Ash; I am a second year mechanical engineering student and I am hoping to be the gigs manager for next year at jazz society! I’ve had the privilege of being in the jazz soc this year and playing a part in the term 2 show and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Countless memories of late night rehearsals, the week before the show, the afterparty, and the friends I’ve made. Not to mention how much I improved as a musician during this period. And so as gigs manager, I want to make these experiences more accessible to other members of the club.

As gigs manager, if I elected I will be organising gigs with external venues to get more opportunities for you as musicians to play and improve. I am good at working with people and will work to find more gigs for you! And I will be completely open to all recommendations. This allows more people to get a chance to play to help make the society as inclusive as possible. Not to mention it allows each of you to have the chance of being professional paid jazz musicians! I mean how cool is it to say that…

As well as this, the gigs will allow more funding for the club. Which I will liaise with the treasurer and use to improve equipment, spend on workshops etc.

It is very easy for a music society to fall into the trap of being exclusive. But I would like to reject that as I think everyone should get a chance to play and share experiences together. And I feel like as gigs manager, I can realise that dream.

I have spent my first year at UCL as a regular member of the Jazz Society, and have enjoyed every minute. I would very much like to contribute to keeping this society going, as I think it brings so much to its members, and UCL as a whole. I am applying to the Gig Manager position because I would like to play a role in expanding the society's reach - bringing great jazz to a wider range of people - and in keeping the society's lockers full - possibly allowing for a cheaper Jazz tour next year...? 

I have a lot of experience organizing logistics and communicating plans. For example, while I was doing IB, I participated in the organization of a MUN. Specifically, I was in charge of communicating with potential delegates, answering any queries they had, and relaying any relevant information back to the organizing committee. Another example, is my time working as a chef, where I had key responsibilities such as, contacting suppliers regarding our order requirements, planning weekly tasks for kitchen assistants, and communicating with FOH in plan ahead regarding big bookings and any other issues which may have arisen.

I think therefore, that given my experience in logistics, I could contribute a lot to the role of Gig Manager, and ensure the organization of a greater number of paid gigs next year.