In 2022-23, NYJO is delighted to be partnering with Lancashire Music Hub on their Jazz Futures project. This is a creative music ensemble, led by young people and for young people! This talented group of young musicians have come together to develop as an ensemble that will then perform at venues across Lancashire to encourage take-up of instrumental learning for school-age young people across the local area.
Workshops are led by NYJO Educator Joe Browne, supported by students from Leeds Conservatoire. Joe is a musician, composer and workshop leader based in London and studied jazz saxophone at Birmingham Conservatoire.
Aside from being magnificent players, I thought the young people had just the right attitude for the project: open minds, open ears, a keen sense of self expression but also a sensitivity to the collaborative process.
Joe Browne, NYJO Educator
Sessions start with notated sketches of repertoire from Joe, which the young people work on collaboratively to turn into personal arrangements. They are currently working toward a launch celebration on 14 April followed by gigs at local festivals and a Primary schools’ tour in June!
I hope to make more connections with NYJO tutors and alumni, and have the great opportunity to play in schools to inspire the next generation!
Owen, young musician
At NYJO Learning, we are really passionate about improving opportunities for first-access to music-making, encouraging instrumental lesson take-up in schools, and showing that it is never too late to start learning an instrument! If you’d like to find out more about what NYJO is doing to encourage young people to pick up an instrument in our own local area, take a look at our 2022 Greenwich Jazz Messengers Schools Tour!
If you work for a Hub or Music Service and are interesting in getting involved with our Widening Access programme, please get in touch today.