Marsden Jazz Festival sets a new generation of musicians on their way

Marsden Jazz Festival have done their bit to support the next generation of musicians with a donation of recorders to Marsden Junior School.

Marsden Jazz Festival takes place each October and this year celebrated their 25th birthday. With a real community atmosphere, the festival spills out into the streets and involves not only nationally and internationally renowned artists but also community music groups and youth ensembles.

In a recent press release, Director Barney Stevenson said

“We had a fantastic festival this year and wanted to do something to help inspire local children to become our headline performers of the future. Many of the children who first visited the festival with their families have gone on to play in school bands on our outdoor stages, and some have even returned years later as professional jazz artists. 

The staff and children at Marsden Junior School are always really supportive of the festival, and this year allowed us to use the playground for parking. We’re really pleased we’ve been able to donate the recorders which we hope will be used by children for years to come to get their first taste of performing music.”

Well done to Barney and the team for continuing to contribute to Marsden all year round. We look forward to their 26th festival next October...perhaps with a record choir this time?

For more information, visit the Marsden Jazz Festival website.

Instrument Bursaries for Young Musicians

                                                 Nathan Kenworthy, a Hanson Music Bursary Recipient

Marsden-based music shop Hanson is offering 26 young musicians the chance to receive new instruments, upgrade exisiting ones and attend music courses as part of their ongoing goal to support youth music.

Hanson Music have previously supported a number of young musicians to obtain new instruments and recently they saw their first sponsored player become a professional musician in the RAF.

At 26 years old, they now have £20,000 to offer 26 young musicians.

To qualify players will have had to demonstrate a high level of commitment to their chosen instrument and usually already have attained a good level of skill.   There is a focus on students who are active members of junior departments or studying undergraduate at the country’s leading music colleges such as Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland but players of all levels and of all ages will be considered. 

Those interested should visit the Hanson Music website for details on how to apply for the fund.