Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra (TYJO) currently has 30 members and was formed in 2001 under the musical direction of jazz saxophonist and teacher Zak Barrett.
It meets on the first Sunday of each month (or as close to the first Sunday as possible). Players of all standards are invited to join and we welcome young musicians with little or no previous experience of playing jazz. No charge is made for membership. The ensemble is currently seeking to find a new venue for rehearsals. Details will be published here as soon as possible.
The ensemble has a wide and varied repertoire that includes jazz standards and more contemporary material, covering the repertoire of Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin to name just a few!
Performance is at the heart of Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra and the ensemble has a busy and varied schedule of concert appearances. The ensemble are often augmented at their performances by guest artists including jazz legend Phil Woods, National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the internationally renowned guitarist Guthrie Govan. If you would like to hear the Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra in action, there is a short audio extract available from our downloads page
The ensemble has also performed at fund raising events in and around Thurrock. Following their successful appearance at the Barnards Farm Garden Open Day in 2005, the ensemble has been invited to perform at two similar events in 2006. They also provided musical entertainment at the 'Orsett In Bloom' event and at a concert in Woodham Walter in Essex, Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra raised £1500 in a single evening to benefit the Essex Air Ambulance. The ensemble also performs regularly at civic events within Thurrock.
Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra have a well-deserved reputation for musical excellence and enjoy a high profile within the Music Service and the Borough that it serves. The ensemble's contribution to the enrichment of the Borough of Thurrock was recognised at the Thurrock Civic Award ceremony in 2005.
Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra is above all, about having fun! Why not come along to our rehearsals and get involved in our concert programme. You will play some great music and meet some great new friends. We hope to see you soon.
For further details on Thurrock Youth Jazz Orchestra and how to join, please contact Esther O'Neill on 01375 413680. Esther will also be pleased to discuss booking enquiries for the ensemble.
