Education Forum: Focus on Youth Jazz Orchestras
Participants on the Education Forum zoom session.
Our Spring term forum focused on the conclusion of a significant project funded by Arts Council England which involved commissioning 10 British jazz composers to create new pieces for 10 youth jazz orchestras across northern England. Jo McCallum explained that the project aimed to provide original music for young musicians, building on a successful previous initiative from 10 years ago. The project included recording all compositions and providing workshops for each youth orchestra. Notably, the project successfully integrated emerging composers, Flo Taylor and Richard Jones, with mentoring support from experienced composer Nikki Iles. Topics discussed:
challenges facing youth jazz orchestras
instrument uptake issues post-COVID
innovative approaches to teaching improvisation and composition
flexible ensemble v traditional big band structures
need for early introduction of improvisation
improvisation as a core musicianship skill
the need for more time in music education to develop skills effectively
Several composers shared their experiences, highlighting the project's success in making jazz more accessible and inclusive.
Project page: https://www.jazznorth.org/youth-jazz-orchestra-commissions
If you're involved in music education and missed our forum we have a private video recording available of the session. For the link email helena@jazznorth.org
We'll be holding another Education Forum next term - subscribe to our mailing so we can let you know when it’s taking place.