Music students from across Oxfordshire will come together to perform a range of pieces in East Hagbourne this weekend.
Oxfordshire Youth Jazz Collective, part of Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, will perform at Jazz at the Fleur at the Fleur de Lys pub on Sunday, June 8.
Their set will include arrangements by Charles Mingus and Chick Corea, as well as covers of classics by Earth, Wind and Fire and The Beatles.
Councillor Sean Gaul, cabinet member for children and young people at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Jazz at the Fleur is another opportunity to showcase some of Oxfordshire’s most talented young musicians, inspiring children across the county to consider learning to play an instrument.
Councillor Sean Gaul (Image: Sean Gaul) "We take enormous pride in our music service, which offers a diverse range of lessons, bands, choirs, orchestras, and groups.
"Music is a way for children to express themselves, develop aspirations and goals, and potentially a future career.
"I’m sure our Oxfordshire Youth Jazz Collective will enchant its audience at East Hagbourne."
Oxfordshire Youth Jazz Collective is the council’s advanced-level big band for young people.
It is one of four ensembles within the Oxfordshire Youth Big Band programme, which has been running for more than 50 years.
Young people who are grade three or above on saxophone, trumpet, cornet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, or drums can join one of the big bands.
Oxfordshire Youth Jazz Collective rehearses weekly during term time and performs throughout the year, including at regional festivals, music for youth events, county gala concerts, and alongside music theatre students.
Currently, the band is made up of 18 members aged 15 to 18.
Their repertoire includes swing classics from bandleaders like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Ted Heath, and Benny Goodman, as well as contemporary big band pieces and original works by composers such as Fred Sturm, Nikki Iles, and Steve Waterman.
Olivia Ward Jacobs, 17, from The Cherwell School, plays alto saxophone and will be performing at Jazz at the Fleur.
She said: "I’ve loved playing in Oxfordshire Youth Jazz Collective for the past two years.
"From Chipping Norton music festivals to our trip to Birmingham Symphony Hall’s jazz lounge, I’ve been inspired to play jazz, shaping me into the musician I am today."
Oxfordshire Youth Jazz Collective were invited to perform at this year’s Jazz at the Fleur alongside the Ronnie Scott Allstars in recognition of their "high levels of motivation and enthusiasm".
The Allstars are a British band, representing the Ronnie Scott Club in London.
2025-06-03T04:06:10Z