‘In Harmony’: NYJO’s Summer Vocal Project

August 29, 2026
12:00 pm

Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 August, 12:00 – 17:00, 
Woolwich Works, Greenwich SE18 6HD
and a final showcase performance in Sloane Square, Chelsea on Saturday 19 September

‘In Harmony’: NYJO’s Summer Vocal Project

For young people aged 13 – 18. All levels of vocal experience welcome!

Over 2 days in August, we will be delving into the iconic catalogue of American songstress Carole King, with NYJO vocalist Daisy Houlder. We will be exploring King’s legendary songwriting and vocal style through group vocal arrangements, written by Daisy herself.

Through these workshops, you will gain a fresh perspective by inserting yourself into the instrumentation of these songs, connecting with the narrative of the lyrics, and bringing your own creative thoughts into the music.

This project will finish with a showcase performance of your hard work in Sloane Square as part of this year’s Chelsea Arts Festival, giving you the chance to perform in a large-scale public event with NYJO!

Fees to take part in the project are:

1. Free if you are in receipt of Pupil Premium/Free School Meals/from a low-income family in receipt of any form of benefit.
2. Free if you live or study in the borough of Chelsea, through our partnership with Chelsea Arts Festival.
3. £30 for all other young people.

Please don’t let the cost be a barrier to you coming – we will do our best to reduce the cost for anyone who needs it so please just get in touch.

To take part in this project, please fill in the registration form by no later than the end of the day on Friday 7 August.

If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Event details

Event date:
August 29, 2026

Event end date:
August 30, 2026

Event time:
12:00 pm

Woolwich Works

The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street

London, SE18 6HD

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra

A new, forward-looking big band programme for NYJO Emerging Professional musicians.

Find out more about getting involved, upcoming gigs and how you can support.

Musical Director Olivia Murphy stands with her back to the camera, she is conducting the Blueprint Orchestra rehearsal.

Lucy-Anne (EP quote)

“Since joining NYJO, I’m so much more confident as a performer. Especially in terms of being able to entertain and keep the crowd engaged with you. It’s really nice to be able to feel that difference.” 

Lucy-Anne, NYJO Emerging Professional (Vocals)

Georgia (EP quote)

“It’s hard to just learn this music in the practice room but being immersed in the music at NYJO is a great environment to really push my playing. ” 

Georgia Ayew, NYJO Emerging Professional (Drums)

Sam Eastmond (MD quote)

"Giving them space to create whatever they wanted, without setting parameters of idiom or style helped them to conceptualise how they could bring these new concepts into their work without scaring them off, or mystifying the process."

Sam Eastmond, NYJO Educator

Jazzwise quote

"NYJO has never been conformist, never hewing to one particular line, never known for fawning replications and very deliberately these days a vehicle for new possibilities."

Jazzwise Magazine

Lydia (EP quote)

"The past year has been an absolutely incredible experience, pushing me way out of my comfort zone into playing with some of the greatest young jazz players of my generation and getting to call them my colleagues and friends has been beyond inspiring, and also an obscene amount of fun!"

Lydia Cochrane, NYJO Emerging Professional (Saxophone)

Anna (Learning national quote)

"[The NYJO residential in Cumbria] helped me to make friends with other young musicians. I enjoy playing a lot more and I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished. I feel more confident now. I have learnt different ways of coming up with solid melodies and also a little bit on harmonies. I think it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had."

Anna, NYJO Learning Widening Access participant

Briony (Learning U18s quote)

"I’ve felt very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing musicians, and I think that the environment at NYJO – which has fostered creativity and improvisation – has allowed my confidence and musical ideas to grow."

Briony, NYJO Under 18s

Oscar (Learning U18s quote)

"I think I’ve progressed a lot in my piano-playing. NYJO has helped me to flourish and really enjoy it. I’ve really enjoyed being engrossed in a high level of playing and learning things in a hands-on-way. I also like the diversity of perspectives and abilities of all the players and teachers which enables me to try things I might not normally."

Oscar, NYJO Under 18s

Jennie (Learning U18s quote)

"NYJO has got me listening to more jazz and learning more changes. It has also helped with working as a band. I’ve really enjoyed the free jazz, learning by ear, the people, and the atmosphere."

Jennie, NYJO Under 18s

Leah-Anais (Learning U18s quote)

"I love the people at NYJO. Everyone here is so encouraging and lovely and it makes the experience worthwhile. Though I have fun I’m still learning on the way which makes me feel productive too."

Leah-Anais, NYJO Under 18s