Shades of Glen Miller and Benny Goodman!

Shades of Glen Miller and Benny Goodman!

A Christchurch Youth All Stars Big Band will be part of this year's Big Band Festival at Labour weekend.

Intermediate and high school students identified at CPIT's Jazz Quest are already practicing, and a host of other young musicians will also perform on the Festival's main stage.

This emphasis on youth isn't new, but has intensified with schools internationally showing great attraction to jazz and big band music. From intermediate school bands, to high school groups and keen individuals the youth programme is open to all students who have an interest in big band music and jazz. Those youngsters signing up will be learning from some of the great jazz educators in New Zealand and top professionals from overseas. Its dedicated coordinators are music educators Claude Askew and Judith Bell, whose careers have included working closely with music in schools. Claude, a superb percussionist from the USA, heads the programme and the band. Judith has for some years conducted the award winning Chisnallwood Intermediate School Band, whose quality performances have surprised older students.

Dr Rodger Fox, head of the New Zealand School of Music Jazz Faculty and one of New Zealand’s jazz greats, will be part of the team. Two renowned overseas guests performing at the festival, Bill Cunliffe and Bob Sheppard will add their talents to the educational aspect.

Students wanting to be part of the Big band Festival Youth Programme can register through the Festival web site www.bigband.co.nz and attend all events free. Recognition of their participation will be given through awards and certificates.
The Festival runs from the 23 through to 25 October.

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