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Hertfordshire County Youth Jazz Collective (new for 2023-24!)

Principal Conductor: Duncan Fraser

Required standard: at least grade 5 or equivalent

Age range: up to 21

New for 2023-2024, our Hertfordshire County Youth Jazz Collective is a student Jazz community for musicians up to the age of 21, who can typically play at grade 5 or equivalent standard. Open to a range of Brass, Woodwind, and Rhythm Section instruments, members have the opportunity to work in a variety of large and small ensembles.

There are also additional opportunities for vocalists, as well as non-traditional Jazz instruments such as strings to take part. This group gives young musicians the opportunity to engage with Jazz repertoire, improvisation, and different approaches to creating music in a supportive environment. 

How can I take part?

To apply, please follow the application link below.

Please email countymusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions!

2023-24 Hertfordshire County Youth Jazz Collective dates

Course dates: 26 – 27 October 2023

'Challenging Times’

Join us on our first County Youth Jazz Collective course, looking at the way unusual time signatures are used to great effect in jazz music, ending in a concert on 27th October at Mid Herts Centre for Music & Arts!

Course dates: 25 – 27 May 2024

Motown

For the next County Jazz course we’ll be looking into Motown and its influence, ending in a concert on 27 May 

Jazz Hive @ home

Backing tracks

 Lead sheets

Spotify playlist

Check out our jazz playlist on Spotify, curated by our tutors with 20 important recordings of a blues within jazz over 100 years.

It's not on Spotify, but watch this performance too: Jochen Rueckert Quartet Plays Charlie Parker on YouTube.

Week 1 challenges

Read the week 1 challenges (PDF)

Lead sheets are above.

Week 2 challenges

Week 3 challenges

Links to Jazz Hive @ home sessions recorded live