SYJO

SYJO was formed in 1986 under the direction of jazz legend, Bobby Wishart and is recognised as one of the foremost youth jazz orchestras in Europe having performed at international festivals in the USA, Poland, Switzerland and South Africa. Former members are now some of Scotland’s finest professional jazz performers.

In 2007, following Bobby’s retiral, the band was relaunched under the direction of Stewart Forbes, jazz module leader at the University of Strathclyde’s famous BA in Applied Music course and one of Scotland’s most experienced professional saxophonists. Stewart is assisted by professional trumpeter and educator, Gavin Spowart.

SYJO perform regularly in Glasgow, throughout the UK and abroad. Recent performances include the Glasgow International Jazz Festival, Wigan Jazz Club, and the 2010 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. SYJO have also participated in national music festivals winning Gold, Platinum and Outstanding Soloist awards at regional and national level.

SYJO members are aged 16-24 years and are some of Scotland’s most talented young jazz musicians. Not all are music students however - some members prefer to study a non music-related subject while continuing to enjoy the challenges which SYJO brings. 

Applications are welcome at any time. Applicants should have attained a minimum level of approximately Grade 8 and should have some experience of performing jazz music.

Applicants who do not yet meet the required standard for SYJO will be offered a place with one of our other ensembles.

SYJO rehearsals take place fortnightly on Mondays from 6-8pm at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

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