Jazz Day Success

Two pieces in two hours! (Music - 10/10/2014)

On Thursday 9th October, pupils from Year 7 and 8 took part in the Jazz day workshop. The group was made up of performers on trumpets, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, drum kit, piano, guitar and bass guitar.  Amazingly, in just over two hours, the instrumentalists had learned to play two pieces (C Jam Blues and Last Night) which they later performed to their peers in the Year 7 Concert. Those who attended the workshop were introduced to jazz rhythms and terminology, ensemble work, sectional work and improvisation. Pupils were given the opportunity to try out some ideas in the group and many bravely chose to include their solo's during the final performance.

The feedback from pupils was really positive and included comments like "the best day of school so far" and "it was good to meet new people who also like music". The enthusiasm spread and a number of those pupils involved opted to stay on after school and try out playing in Concert Band. Some are also going to attend the Big Band or are working towards joining in the future. Recordings of the pieces will soon be available on our 'Examples of Work' page.