NYJO Learning: Levitation Orchestra half-term project

May 9, 2024

This May half-term, NYJO is delighted to be teaming up with Levitation Orchestra for an immersive 3-day workshop at Woolwich Works, exploring performance and composition!

Levitation Orchestra‘s inspirations range from Alice Coltrane and Sun Ra, to Stravinksy and Ravel, all blended in the mixing pot of London’s heritage of diverse sound-system music. The group has developed a uniquely egalitarian approach to creativity, and their “ultimate disregard for any boundaries” has allowed them to create a perfect blend of their diverse musical influences. NYJO musicians will have the opportunity to explore and learn from their approach, writing their own original

 

Where, When and Who
  • 28 – 30 May
  • 11:00 – 18:00
  • Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, SE18 6HD
  • FREE!
  • For creatives aged 16-25
  • All musicians welcome, including vocalists

 

 

This half-term project is free-of-charge, open to all musicians aged 16-25 including vocalists, and will produce a brand-new suite of music to be performed in a public showcase at Woolwich Works at 7pm on 30 May. Please fill out the booking form by Friday, 24 May to secure your place.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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"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)

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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

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Briony, NYJO Under 18s

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"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

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Jennie, NYJO Under 18s

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"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

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