University News Last updated 10 August 2012
Young Birmingham musicians with a passion for jazz are this week taking part in an exciting summer school at Birmingham Conservatoire as part of ‘Jazzlines’, a new performance and education programme at Town Hall and Symphony Hall supported by Arts Council England.
Led by jazz producers Tony Dudley-Evans and Mary Wakelam, ‘Jazzlines’ builds on the promotion of contemporary jazz across Birmingham venues and creates learning opportunities with musicians for young people.
The ‘Jazzlines’ summer school taking place at Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University, is open to 14-19 year old Birmingham musicians and provides an opportunity to receive tuition and guidance in composition, jazz performance and ensemble playing.
Mary Wakelam, ‘Jazzlines’ Programme Manager and former Jazz student at Birmingham Conservatoire, said: “I have observed the sessions over the week and all of the young musicians have been working really hard. Their improvisational and ensemble skills are developing every day.
“The leadership from jazz tutors at Birmingham Conservatoire; Percy Pursglove, Sara Colman and Andrew Bain, supported by the Jazzlines Trio; Reuben James, Ric Yarborough and James Banner is inspiring and helping the young musicians to be really creative and musical.”
The ‘Jazzlines’ summer school culminates with a showcase concert taking place at Symphony Hall Foyer at 3pm on Friday 10 August.
For more information on ‘Jazzlines’ events, including free gigs at Symphony Hall, click here.