Region Named Best for Youth Jazz in the UK
Southampton Music Hub and Hampshire Music Hub are celebrating winning a prestigious national award for their commitment to jazz education.
The Will Michael Award for Jazz Education is presented yearly by UK Jazz Services to recognize excellence and outstanding commitment to young jazz musicians. On Saturday (22nd Nov) at London’s Southbank Centre, a joint bid by Southampton and Hampshire Music Hubs fought off various other regional authorities to be named the best in the UK.
Provision for young jazzers in the region has reached an all-time high due to significant investment and a string of exciting initiatives. Alongside several outstanding youth jazz groups, including the nationally renowned Southampton Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO), young musicians have enjoyed participating in free jazz improvisation workshops, composition masterclasses and working alongside leading professionals including singer Ian Shaw.
There has also been a drive to help teach jazz more effectively with support for teachers and better links with experts from the University of Southampton and the Turner Sims Concert Hall.
All this has helped contribute to young musicians from the region achieving success on the national stage with ex-alumni now playing with prestigious acts such as Jamie Cullum, Portico Quartet and BBC Big Band.
Dan Mar-Molinero, Director of SYJO and bid coordinator, said “educators have been working hard to make sure there are opportunities available to all the extraordinary talent within the region. We are exceptionally proud that we have been recognised as a leading example for the rest of the UK”.
You can hear some of the talented young musicians perform at the Turner Sims on Feb 8th when SYJO will be joined by leading saxophonist and composer, John Surman at the Turner Sims. Tickets available from the box office 023 8059 5151.