Students Set for Music Masterclass With Mark Bassey

Members of the East Riding Youth Jazz Orchestra are looking forward to a Masterclass from top Trombone player Mark Bassey. The band, which is made up from talented youngsters  from secondary schools across the East Riding, were successful in their application for a grant and are putting the money to good use.

Band member Harriet Tinker explained:

“About a year ago, four of our members put in a bid for a Youth Opportunities Fund grant in the East Riding. The Youth Opportunities fund is a government scheme designed to give grants to youth groups in the area to help them with projects.

Where the money is donated is decided by a panel of young people, and we were given £13,500! The East Riding Youth Jazz Orchestra is a 35 strong group of young musicians aged 11-19 and is conducted by Nick Riggs.

Every year it plays a programme of concerts across the East Riding and has also been on a number of European tours. After we were awarded the grant we set up a committee to manage the money and all members have been consulted on their priorities. So far we have spent the money on:

– New music (more expensive than you might think!)
– CD library
– Professional music stands with our logo
– A brand new PA system
– A new piano!
– Strong flight cases to hold instruments/equipment when travelling

Our most exciting ‘purchase’ yet is a masterclass with leading UK trombonist Mark Bassey which will happen on the afternoon of May 2nd, before our concery in Cottingham, based on improvisation and general jazz playing tecnique. He will then stay with us and we will play together at the quiz and jazz night.”

Tickets for the event can be booked by calling 01482 875564 after 6pm