Greater Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra

Students in the Greater Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra come from the four authorities that constitute Greater Gwent, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen.

The Greater Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra 
meets for its annual course in February and regularly works alongside professional jazz musicians such as Percy Pursglove, Dave O'Higgins, Jim Mullen and many others.

The jazz orchestra recently invited musicians from Northamptonshire County Youth Big Band to collaborate and perform together. This was a fantastic success with great music being played and friendships made. The ensemble often explores contemporary literature with many pieces and arrangements being less than a year old.

Cuaba, composed by the American musician Frank Williams, is an upbeat contemporary Latin chart which features tight ensemble playing from the band. Solo space is given on this occasion to Aled Vaghela on keys. Comfortably Hot, composed by young British composer Ed Puddick is part of a three piece Suite for Big Band and was originally commissioned in 2011. It has a 'dirty funk groove' at its heart with angular melodies coming from the horns. 

Musical Director: Paul Hornsby

Age range of performers: 14-21

Performing:
Cuaba - Frank Williams
Comfortably Hot - Ed Puddick