BlueJam Arts Creative Jazz Workshop, 22nd July

BlueJam Arts in partnership with Cumbria Music Hub are running a day-long workshop in Creative Jazz for young musicians across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Sign up is already going well with young musicians coming from far and wide. Spaces are still available though, so does this sound like it's for you or a musician you know?

Do you play an instrument to Grade 4 standard or above?
Are you interested in jazz and improvisation?
Do you want to learn how to create music with a band?
Do you want to create and record solos over electronic jazz grooves?

Start your summer with an inspirational day of jazz and creativity for instrumentalists from Cumbria and Lancashire.

With professional jazz tutors including improvising composer Jilly Jarman and electronic composer and producer Tom Leah (Werkha)

For more information and to apply to attend the workshop, visit the Cumbria Music Hub website.

Calling Young Jazz Musicians - 2 day jazz workshop in York, 11/12th August

York Jazz Initiative are running a two day workshop for young musicians on August 11th and 12th, offering the chance to hone your jazz skills with the help of professional musicians for only £20.

Ian Chalk says...

The workshop is for any young person in full time education (including higher education) and is designed to help young people develop their jazz performance skills whether they are experienced jazz soloists or have never played jazz before!

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All young musicians would benefit from this workshop as it will widen their harmonic knowledge, help them get to know their instrument better and build their confidence plus having lots of fun!

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The workshop tutors are all high quality professional jazz musicians as well as experienced educators and the workshop will be led by York Jazz initiative's Musical Director Ian Chalk. 

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Attendees will learn how to begin to improvise with their instruments or voices or add to their existing skills in in fun-filled and encouraging environment.

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As the workshop progresses they will have the opportunity to perform with the tutors and have the thrill of playing with professional jazz musicians!

This workshop was made possible through the generous support of the Ronnie Scott's Charitable Foundation. 

For more information and to sign up, see the York Jazz Initiative website. 

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.