Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where & when does NYJO rehearse?
A: All weekly rehearsals are based at the Nottingham High School on Tuesdays (starting September 2008). NYJO Big Band rehearses from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm; NYJO2 Big Band (the ‘intermediate’ Big Band closely linked to NYJO) rehearses from 5:30 to 6:30 and the NYJO Combo rehearsals from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Rehearsals are in the well-equipped Music Block - go to this link for a combined Map and Site Plan.
Q: Why are all band rehearsals on the same Tuesday evening?
A: We think it’s important that all the bands share the same rehearsal evening as players have opportunity to get to know one another, including during the short breaks in between sessions when Friends of NYJO help with a tuck shop and registrations! Tutors also can share information and there can be easier movement of players between bands as required. The idea is that there is a degree of mixing and progression of musicians.
Q: What’s the minimum standard for players?
A: For NYJO. you need to play at around Grade 5 or above and should expect to read music. If you’re not yet at this level, you may be eligible to join NYJO2 which is the ‘intermediate’ big band. You can audition at any time and are welcome to sit in on a rehearsal first, as a way of deciding whether NYJO suits you. Do contact us to find out more or to arrange to come along!
Q: What about auditioning for NYJO?
A: As mentioned above, you can audition at any time during the year or ask to being your instrument along to sit in on a rehearsal and have a chat about NYJO before deciding whether you wish to audition. Also, there is an annual audition session in early summer that includes existing players auditioning as part of continuing assessments and feedback. Contact us about your interest and we can make arrangements for you to come along to a rehearsal. There is an audition on 20 June, 10-12 am at the Nottingham Boys High School - email carlbillson@yahoo.co.uk for details.
Q: What is the price for a NYJO player and why do you need to pay?
A: The current rate is £210 per year, payable in advance (pro rata if you join mid-year) - good value for the number of sessions, professional tuition and opportunities to learn to play in a group, improvise and play gigs! A reduction of 20% is made if a player is already with the NYO or there are 2 players in the same family. Payments cover costs such as music scores, rental for rehearsal rooms, tutor fees, NYJO gear such as drums, amps & keyboard and transport for gigs. NYJO is an independent not-for-profit organisation (we are a registered charity as part of NYO, see below), and needs income to cover such basic costs. NYO and NYJO want to support young people in their musical development. A small number of bursaries are available to families on low incomes. For this, or any concerns about paying the subscription fee, please contact the Membership Secretary Julie Moran. If you wish to know more please contact NYJO with details of your phone number and we’ll ring you.
Q: Does NYJO perform Concerts and Gigs?
A: Yes - public performance is very important to NYJO and ensures real commitment from players to develop a professional standard of delivery as part of the band and as solo improvisers. The Gigs page on NYJO’s website has details of public and private gigs - for instance the prestigious Lakeside Towers is a NYJO ‘regular’ venue and NYJO plays a series of lunchtime concerts in 2010 (Jan 24, Feb 28, Mar 28 and Apr 25) at the Newark Palace Theatre.
NYJO is happy to discuss requests to hire a smaller Combo or Big Band for functions. Informal live recordings by NYJO are to be found on the YouTube website - type in ‘Notts NYJO’ to see a selection.
Q: Who can I contact to ask about NYJO?
A: This depends on the questions! Volunteers have various roles that include sponsorship, membership, publicity etc. so we want to signpost you to the right person quickly to help you. In general, try a first call to Musical Director Phil Smith on 07973 115156 or, if you prefer to email, please click here, and we will get in touch.
Q: How are people selected to play at concerts?
A: Players are selected from a pool of musicians who have successfully auditioned and are committed members of NYJO. All bands - NYJO2, NYJO and Combo - get chance to perform in public, with approximately a dozen gigs per year.
Q: What if I’m not yet at Grade 5 but still interested?
A: There is an intermediate Jazz Orchestra ‘NYJO2’ with rehearsals on Tuesdays at the Nottingham High School - see above for details. NYJO2 play gigs and, as skills develop, musicians can move onto the more advanced Combo and NYJO bands. Please contact us if you’d like to know more.
Q: What kind of music does NYJO play?
A: NYJO plays a varied repertoire of music from jazz standards to arrangements of pop tunes and original compositions in both the Jazz Orchestra (a ‘Big Band’ of approximately 25 players), the NYJO Combo (around 8 players) and NYJO2 (‘intermediate’ big band). Many arrangements are unique to NYJO.
Q: Do I have to come every session?
A: Yes and No! ‘No’ - because occasionally ‘other stuff gets in the way’ and we are understanding where there are reasonable exceptional circumstances that prevent you from attending (you must contact the Musical Director Phil in advance). However, it’s mostly a ‘Yes’ because significant commitment to NYJO is expected, including playing at gigs where you have agreed in adance. If you can’t make a gig, say so at the time of the offer and we will aim to deputise a fellow NYJO musician. In reality, you’re with NYJO because you enjoy it - so your commitment is there anyway! [During the GCSE examinations, NYJO rehearsals continue. If you have an exam the following day, we understand if you request to miss that rehearsal, but this should be no more than two consecutive weeks otherwise the continuity is lost and it’s not fair on others in the band.]
Q: What instruments are in NYJO and do you have vocalists?
A: The line-up of a Jazz Orchestra typically has keyboard, bass, drums, trumpets, trombones and saxes with the latter sometimes doubling on clarinet. Sometimes flute, french horn and percussion is included. Vocalists are welcome for styles that include singing jazz and Big Band standards. Please contact us to find out more.
Q: Are there any workshops?
A: Yes - there are occasional workshops For instance, professional sax player Snake Davis ran a great day’s workshop with support from NYJO tutors. For more details, click here. We aim to have more workshops in the future and will be seeking grant aid and external financial support to assist in this.
Q: Is there more than one NYJO?
A: Yes - we can’t help but share the shortened name ‘NYJO’ with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra! They are really top class so get to hear them if you can - more about them elsewhere on this site. The National Youth Jazz Orchestra are performing in Newark on Saturday 28 November.
Q: How can I support NYJO?
A: Support is really welcome! Please follow links to ‘Friends’ and ‘Sponsors’ to learn more about how you can help us. We’d love you to get involved in whatever way!
A: NYJO is part of NYO which is a registered charity - No. 519861. NYJO has its own support staff and tutors and enjoys a close working association with NYO. Some musicians are in both NYO and NYJO, enjoying the contrast in music styles, gigs and personnel. For instance, the NYJO Combo supported an NYO concert (a jazz concerto premiere) by playing jazz during the concert intervals in the foyer at the Royal Concert Hall. NYJO and NYO were together for the Italy tour in summer 2008, each enjoying the gigs and concerts performed in public.
Q: Are there any ‘rules’ to being part of NYJO?
A: There aren’t rules as such but there are expectations around your membership of NYJO. These are summarised here (see Blog item for more details):
Share your enjoyment of playing
- enjoy audiences and be generous in support of other players
Be on time and be prepared
- at both rehearsals and gigs
Know ‘there’s a job to be done’
- musical quality is always the result of good, productive rehearsals and a professional approach
Meet your cmmitments
- with fellow players, tutors, your sponsors (e.g. parents) and, in the case of gigs, with a paying audience. If you are offered the opportunity to play but know you cannot make a date for a gig, please say so at the time and we will try to arrange promptly for someone else in the band to deputise for you
Contact us if you cannot be there
- every NYJO rehearsal is to be attended unless you are prevented by illness or exceptional circumstances, in which case you should contact your music tutor as soon as possible.
Exam Periods and NYJO
During exam periods we will of course understand non-attendance the day before an exam or during a busy exam week. However, we aim for continuity of playing during this period where gigs are often requested. These professional engagements, including weddings, birthdays, carnivals and corporate entertaining, are vital for players’ advancement and help build the reputation of NJYO as a leading national youth jazz band.
Consequently the same general rule applies - up to 2 consecutive rehearsals missed is acceptable if due to exams. An absence of any more consecutive sessions needs to be negotiated in advance. Planning to play jazz should be a refreshing help to your revision!
Q: I’ve got a suggestion and/or a question that’s no answered in the FAQs - who can I contact?