Tommy Smith set up the TSYJO to offer a place where all young talented musicians, regardless of financial status, could audition to be part of a first-class big band for free; all you needed was your skill.
Membership
See also: Instrumental specialism, Ensemble, musicianship, Jazz.
Membership of the TSYJO is based only on the ability to play rather than to pay. The TSYJO want to ensure that there is no barrier to participation. Their “free for all” policy, therefore, requires no financial commitment from musicians or family. All travel, accommodation and substance costs on overnight trips will be reimbursed.
Opportunities
See also: Instrumental specialism, Ensemble, musicianship, Jazz
Developing as part of a high quality, functioning big band is the fundamental principal of the TSYJO. As part of the orchestra, there are numerous professional level opportunities, including rehearsals with Tommy Smith, live performances in world class venues, participation in studio and live recordings, collaborations with special Guest Artists, and mentoring from members of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.
Objectives
See also: Instrumental specialism, Ensemble, musicianship, Jazz
- To promote regular concerts throughout Scotland to enable the TSYJO to grow musically through the experience of performing for live audiences
- To stimulate the pursuit of jazz role models by providing inspiration and opportunities for young musicians to express themselves on a public stage
- To tour with the best young jazz musicians in Scotland and reach out to other promising gifted young musicians in schools throughout Scotland to give an incentive for students to perceive and pursue higher goals and visions in the jazz language
- To continue to integrate a variety of special guests from the professional SNJO and other experienced jazz artists into the youth jazz orchestra in order to inspire, mentor and coach the young musicians to higher levels of achievement
- To create and promote large-scale educational projects, concerts and recordings that involve amateur Scottish jazz musicians from the SNJO’s youth wing alongside professional musicians from the SNJO and special guests.
Audition
See also: Instrumental specialism, Ensemble, musicianship, Jazz
To be eligible for the TSYJO you must…
- be aged between 12 – 24yrs inclusive
- improvise
- read music
- practice every day
- play either Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar, or Sing
- be a resident or student studying in Scotland