Ashford Youth Jazz Orchestra

Kent's pre-eminent youth jazz band. 

Aims

Provide talented jazz musicians an opportunity to play regularly together, explore a variety of famous, fun challenging musical pieces and perform, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

Background

Ashford Youth Jazz Orchestra is not into it's 40th year. Initially setup at another Ashford School it was brought to Ashford School in the early 2000's and has continued to go from strength to strength. 

Resources

Hosted in Ashford School's Brake Hall on a weekly basis. Pupils provide their own instruments. Led by a combination of Ashford School staff and leading local jazz musicians. 

The band regularly take paid gigs which cover expenses, new music and the all important show night pizza! 

Pupil Involvement

The current band is approximately 24 pupils half of which come from Ashford School and half from other local school's.

Frequency

Weekly rehearsals and termly performances within Ashford School's concerts but numerous other performances throughout the year both locally and further afield.

A large 40th anniversary concert is planned for June 2024 as well as a tour to Italy.