Brentwood School and all that jazz

Essex Easter Jazz, which sees some of the UK’s leading jazz tutors teaching at Brentwood School, has proved such a hit that this year the campus will play host to a brand new offering aimed at young musical ‘warriors’.

Jazz Warriors, which will take place from 3rd to 6th of April, is open to all youngsters aged 11 and above and will give this next generation of jazz musicians the opportunity to hone their skills under the tutelage of some of the country’s finest performers.

The four-day course will focus on the playing and learning of all types of jazz with instrumental lessons, tutor performances, band practice and a concert finale. Participants, maximum age 17, must be around Grade 5 standard or above.

Course director and Brentwood School drum teacher Mr Marc Cecil said: ‘The emphasis is on children learning to improvise and play as an ensemble while having a good time.’

The course, which costs £260 and is open to all instruments, will also involve tutor performances ranging from building confidence, advanced harmony, extended chords and directing a band.

The following week, the 8th to 12th of April, the School will host Essex Easter Jazz, which has quickly become a highlight of the musical year. The course costs £275 and place are still available.

Past tutors include: Jason Rebello, piano player for Sting; Derek Nash, saxophonist for the Jools Holland Orchestra and Eric Clapton; and Phil Scragg, bass man for Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin.

Further information is available on the Jazz Warriors website http://jazzwarriors.co.uk/ and Essex Easter Jazz website http://essexeasterjazz.com/