The multi-award winning musician Charlie Bates and his Sextet ran a busy day of workshops for all Wind and Brass players and Jazz bands on Friday, followed by a concert that evening.
Exploring improvisation and modal scales during the day, it was great to see students taking the plunge and going for their first attempts at playing solos!
Later, the Great Hall was transformed for an evening of quality music and food with meticulous attention to detail from our hospitality students. The students were terrific at creating a really special atmosphere with top quality service including a delicious New Orleans Jambalaya. Over a hundred guests were welcomed to hear the brilliant musicianship of Charlie and his Sextet as well as celebrate Bloxham’s own Jazz Band and the debut of the Girls’ Jazz Band.
Here are some short reviews of the evening:
‘Thank you for organising the Jazz event, my child was buzzing! It really lit a fire in him.’ – Parent
‘It was such a brilliant evening. The Great Hall looked amazing and it was really fun to play to all the parents. The Jazz band sounded out of this world!’ – Tom L (Beginner Clarinet – Exham)
Director of Music, Alexander Redpath, had the following to say:
It created such a buzz for all the musicians involved. Music is not only about performing but collaborating too and it was a privilege to have such outstanding Jazz Musicians inspire the next generation. It was a herculean team effort to organise but great to have such a positive musical extravaganza up and running again. Huge thanks to Mr Ramm, Mr Weymes, Mr Harvey and all involved in making the evening such a success.
Thank you to Henry W for photos of the concert in the evening.
For photos from the workshop, rehearsal, and concert, please click here.
