Nottigham Youth Jazz Orchestra horn section perform in the RCH foyer

Next Event

Spring Concert 2024

Full details

Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra

The Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra is a great place for young musicians to develop their skills and enjoyment of playing jazz, swing, pop, rock, latin, funk and more.

Established in 2008, NYJO launched at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall in the presence of distinguished jazz musician John Dankworth.  The bands’ terrific sound, enthusiasm and professional approach have been highly rated by appreciative audiences, gig organisers and in national competitions.

Notts NYJO exists to enable young talented local musicians to develop their shared interest, skill and enjoyment in playing and performing jazz. A variety of live performing opportunities are a vital part of NYJO players' musical advancement and help to build the reputation of NYJO as a leading national youth jazz band.

Bands include NYJO 1 (the Development Band), NYJO 2 (the Big Band) plus a smaller NYJO Combo. NYJO holds workshops with professional jazz musicians and is a regular participant at the Edinburgh Festival.  

Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra Saxophone section performing at Edinburgh Festival 2019
NYJO Saxophone section
Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra horn section performing at Edinburgh Festival 2019
NYJO Horn section
Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra rhythm section performing at Edinburgh Festival 2019
NYJO Rhythm section

The line-up is typically keyboard, bass, drums, trumpets, trombones and saxes (and vocals): occasionally percussion or flute are included. New starters on clarinet (NYJO1) usually switch to sax in due course. Players hone their performance abilities and jazz craft, including improvisation, in weekly sessions, but students should still expect to be reasonable readers of music.

NYJO places emphasis on live performance and can often be seen performing at NYO concerts in the foyer as well as at corporate and social entertainments. Commitment to the weekly rehearsals, and to the other musicians, is therefore important, and essential in furthering musical development.

Experienced jazz tutors provide high quality, inspirational instruction and encourage shared learning and support amongst players

“I can’t emphasise enough how delighted we were with NYJO’s performance at our Summer Ball. We were so impressed by the quality and professionalism of your young musicians and it was fantastic to see how much they enjoyed what they were doing.”

— Summer Ball organiser

Having a function?

Having a function? Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra can provide small ensembles to add class and pizzazz to any occasion whether corporate event, reception, wedding or informal private party. Please ask about about our hire fees by contacting us.

Hire NYJO

NYJO rehearsals

Members attend rehearsals at The Becket School, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford in Nottingham NG2 7QY.
The Becket site is easily accessible by public transport (Wilford Lane Tram Stop) as well as car, and parking is easy. An email is sent before rehearsals with full details and helpers are stationed around the school to guide you.

NYJO rehearsal schedule for the spring term 2024