The last report from the front line of our Heatree Residential of 2018…
We like to provide a varied educational experience at our annual residential. Yes, of course, the focus is on the music, but music is so much more than just playing dots on the page or inventing new things to say in improvised solos. Making new friendships, developing confidence, and learning new skills are all part of the experience.
After my previous post, we cooked marshmallows and toast around a magnificent camp fire (thanks Graham and Peter!), had a very entertaining and impressive session in modern jazz dance (with each band playing for the other’s dance), had final rehearsals, and gave end-of-course performances to parents.
The end results? A pile of pieces rehearsed, solos tried out, new skills learnt, new friendships formed, and two impressive bands with distinct identities, a combination of their individual and group chemistries.
Massive thanks to everyone involved: Heatree and its staff, tutors Graham, Matt, Ben and Alex, DYJO Association volunteers in particular Nic, Maria, Hannah and Peter, and, most importantly, players and parents: for all of us who work with DYJO, we do it because of the absolute delight of helping young people learn and grow together through music, and without those lovely young people, there wouldn’t be a Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Next up, after one more rehearsal, will be our annual opening concert at the Teignmouth Jazz Festival, on Friday 16 November. Watch this space for details: we hope to see you there!