Applications are now open for NYJO North, a fresh new jazz ensemble project led by Fergus Quill.
Musicians aged 18–25, based in the North of England, can discover how to get involved below…
To expand our national reach, NYJO are teaming up with bassist, educator, band leader, and NYJO alum, Fergus Quill, to launch a new 12-piece project which will explore bespoke arrangements of the music of Carla Bley. This programme is designed to introduce jazz development and performance opportunities for 18-25 year olds in the North of England. This project will be delivered in Leeds, relieving financial and logistical barriers to access, creating a formalised infrastructure where young musicians can learn about, and aspire to excellence, within the jazz tradition without having to seek opportunities in London.
‘This project exists to provide education and opportunities for young musicians based in the north of England playing jazz/improvised music without having to travel or move to London. I feel grateful to have sustained a career in Leeds for the last 10 years but lots of people feel the need to move to the south in search of more opportunity and the project aims to partly readdress that.
I’m very excited to lead this project with NYJO as I have been involved with them, first as a student and then as an educator, since my earliest forays into big band music. They understand the importance of training a new generation of musicians in the performance of large ensemble music but using that tradition to push new boundaries in the music.’
Fergus Quill
How NYJO North will work
Rehearsals: NYJO North will have 5 rehearsals across 10 weeks from late July to the end of September. Rehearsals will take place at a venue in the north of England, specific location tbc.
Repertoire: ‘I’m very excited that this project is focused around the work of Carla Bley. I consider her to be one of the most important composers for big band of the 20th century and I think her music isn’t performed regularly enough. The study of her music in preparation of this project has already taught me such a great deal and I’m sure the musicians involved in this project will will also come to love her music too.’ Fergus Quill
Gigs: The NYJO North project will perform across the UK in Autumn 2026 and early 2027. These performances will be paid opportunities.
How to Apply
We are looking for musicians aged 18 to 25 based in the north of England who are passionate about jazz, who want to deepen their craft, develop professional confidence, and engage seriously with the genre. Band selection will be based on your audition tape, musical ambitions, and ability to commit to the programme.
We are recruiting for a 12-piece ensemble and are flexible on the line-up depending on the applications we receive. This project is open to instrumentalists and vocalists.
To apply, fill in the form >>HERE<<
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Sunday 14th June 2026
If you have any questions about NYJO North, please contact George Gatehouse (NYJO Orchestra & Ensembles Producer) at [email protected].