An exciting new opportunity has arisen for young jazz musicians in Wakefield as a generous grant has been awarded via the Independant and State Schools Partnership to develop Big Band playing in the area. The project is taking place over an 18 month timeframe and includes a series of workshops and performances aimed at the existing big bands from Music Centres, QEGS and Silcoates School. Kicking off this term with three workshops led by Simon Barnes and staff from Leeds College of Music, there is also a special concert being given by the College's Big Band on Wednesday 18th Feb at QEGS.
So far, two of the workshops have taken place and the reaction from staff and students has been very favourable. One student commented, "It was really useful to have the time and space to work in detail with really talented musicians" Over the course of the programme, all bands will work on a set repertoire with the eventual outcome being a massed band performance following a future workshop.
Further workshops will follow in the Autumn and Spring 2010 terms with a large-scale extravaganza planned for Easter 2010, featuring internationally renowned jazz musicians.
