GROUPS

Cheshire Youth Music for Life Big Band

About the group
Cheshire Youth Music for Life Big Band is an exciting joint project run by Cheshire County Council and Music for Life which showcases some of Cheshire’s finest young jazz musicians. The band has already performed at a number of superb venues such as the Crewe Lyceum Theatre, the Victoria Halls, Bolton, The Cinnamon Club in Altrincham and Alexander’s Jazz Theatre in Chester. The band offers young musicians the chance to work alongside some of the best professional jazz musicians around, and was invited to support the legendary British saxophonist, Sir John Dankworth, on a recent visit to the North West. Music has already been written and arranged specially for this group, and the group embarked on its second concert tour abroad in the summer of 2006. Latin, rock, jazz, samba - this band plays many contemporary styles and has already caused a sensation wherever it has performed!

Who is the band suitable for? 
Students who are of the following standard would be invited to attend an informal audition, should places be available. 
Saxophone, clarinet or flute : around Grade 7 or higher.
Trumpet, cornet, trombone (bass clef) : around Grade 5 standard or higher
Keyboard player : Grade 7 standard or higher
Guitarist : good experience, interest in jazz / blues and sound knowledge of chords. Some basic reading would be useful.
Bass Guitarist : few years experience, able to read bass clef, interest in jazz / blues and some knowledge of chords.
Drums : Good experience, some reading ability, real interest in jazz / blues

When are rehearsals held? 
Usually once a month on Saturdays from 10am until 15:30pm.
Students in the band live all over Cheshire, so we only rehearse once a month to keep the commitment for parents to transport students to the minimum – there are usually 9 rehearsals a year.

Where are rehearsals held? 
Hartford High School, Hartford Campus, Chester Road, Northwich, CW8 1LH. We usually rehearse in the main building on the right, about 75yds from the main entrance. There is a car park just in front of the hall.

What should students bring? 
Just their instrument, a music stand and a snack and drink. Sandwiches are available from a garage just over the road from the rehearsal venue.

What is the cost of membership? 
There is a small sub charged by Cheshire County Council, currently £10 per term. They will bill members directly for this.

How do we join? 
Just contact us by email or phone to register an interest and we will then send an application form out to you. Following advice from Cheshire County Council, we require all parents to register their children in writing by either completing and posting a registration form or by confirming by email.

Please see the diary page for dates