This group works on a range of music delivered by NYJO Resident MD Olivia Murphy. The NYJO under 18s band is, at its source, a jazz “big band”. Rooted in this tradition, the band learns most of its music from written charts, exploring arrangements from legendary jazz composers such as Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Carla Bley and Maria Schneider. The groove and style is always varied, from swing, to latin jazz, to funk, to Afrobeat. We have also had band members bring in their own arrangements, and have been given advice and mentoring around this.
Through the learning of big band material, the ensemble learns a multitude of skills; section playing, phrasing, tuning, and of course music reading. It’s important to note that although we sometimes sight-read new charts, there is absolutely no expectation for this to be a strength the young musicians need in order to join the band; charts are practised and worked on over the course of a full term. The band is about improving reading and most importantly developing confidence in notation reading. Music that we learn over a term is uploaded to a shared cloud space and band members are encouraged to practise the music at home.
Alongside written material, every term we learn at least one tune by ear, and learn about harmony and rhythm to improve improvisation. While at first young musicians sometimes come to the band and are understandably apprehensive about taking solos, it has been really special to see many band members’ confidence grow through the sessions, allowing them to take their first solos in rehearsals then during performances.
While the instrumentation is rooted in a traditional big band line up (trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and rhythm section), we are open to hearing from instrumentalists who would also like to take part (for example flute, clarinet, french horn or percussion).
The group rehearses every Saturday during term-time from 14:00 – 16:00.
“A session in Band usually starts with a group warmup, focusing on scales and some jazz theory. While this may sound daunting, Olivia makes sure everyone is understanding. These warmups often help me with my own practice at home as well as while improvising. Although the Band is the more traditional of the two groups, we still play a wide range of music, from full big band arrangements to much more open arrangements, where every performance is different.
NYJO is a very judgement-free and friendly place. I have genuinely liked everyone I’ve met here. Some people join already equipped with jazz knowledge and experience, and others may have never played jazz. It is a great space for everyone to improve at their own pace. Everyone gets plenty of chances to improvise, but if you don’t want to, its completely fine. However, there is always space for everyone to take a solo on every gig, which has been an excellent chance for me to build my confidence. Everyone clearly has a passion for music with many people arriving early and staying late to jam with each other.”
Digby, NYJO Under 18s Programme Member
If you are interested in joining our NYJO Under 18s programme, please get in touch today by emailing [email protected].