FYJO has introduced hundreds of learners between the ages 8-24 to the particular musical freedon that jazz brings, with its emphasis on improvisation and experimentation. Following the philosophy that ‘Mistakes are cool’, FYJO rehearsals are a space where it is safe to push boundaraies and develop creative skills, allowing young musicians the opportunity to grow as individuals as well as becoming confident instrumentalists.
Rehearsals
See also: Primary, Secondary, Participatory, Creative Learning, Musicianship, Instrumental Specialism, Community, ensemble, audience.
Rehearsals take place weekly on Thursdays during term-time at the Lochgelly Centre in Lochgelly. Players are asked to arrive at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start, and rehearsal finishes at 8.45pm. (Younger players can leave earlier).
Players travel from all over Fife and beyond, and any young musician is welcome to join the FYJO, as they employ an open door all-inclusive policy. FYJO do not hold auditions. FYJO accept players of any instrument- not just the ‘traditional’ big band instruments.
Anybody aged between 8 and 19 is welcome to come and watch a rehearsal on a Thursday evening if they are interested in joining.
Online Rehearsals
See also: Primary, Secondary, Participatory, Creative Learning, Musicianship, Instrumental Specialism, Community, ensemble, audience, online.
On the last Thursday of the month during term time, FYJO also run an online rehearsal. It is lead by Richard Michael with support from specialist tutors for strings, woodwind, brass, as well as rhythm section instruments. It takes place on Zoom from 7pm to 8.15pm and allows young players who are unable to travel to Lochgelly to benefit from FYJO experience.
Jazzteenies
See also: Primary, Secondary, Early Years, Online, Participatory, Creative Learning, Musicianship, Instrumental Specialism, Community, ensemble, audience
Every Thursday during term time FYJO also run a Jazzteenies session from 6.00pm to 6.30pm via Zoom. Jazzteenies sessions are led by Joanna Duncan, with Richard Michael often joining the sessions. Jazzteenies operates with the same principles of learning by ear and learning to improvise as the in person rehearsals, and are mainly aimed at younger musicians of primary school age. However, preschool or secondary school musicians are welcome if they enjoy the sessions and find them suitable for their skill level.
Events
See also: Primary, Secondary, Participatory, Creative Learning, Musicianship, Instrumental Specialism, Community, ensemble, audience.
FYJO perform live throughout Scotland, helping students to gain valuable experience in the performance arts. Students gain a better, well-rounded musical experience playing live to an audience that cannot be taught, and allows students to musically express themselves in a live setting.
Live performances also give the opportunity to raise funds for the Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra to enable us to continue our musical work with students of all experiences.