Jazz Under the Stars: Talented young musicians set to shine
An evening of Jazz Under the Stars kicks off this evening at Sandys Secondary Middle School Amphitheatre.
The Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble (BNYJE) will be hosting its annual event.
In addition to the Ensemble, other participants will include such Bermudian greats as Milt Robinson and Friends with Tootsi Bean and Jeffrey Marshall. 'As One' 'Harmony' and Special guest artists will be US recording artist and saxophonist Reggie Harmon.
The Ensemble, under the direction of Wendell (Shine) Hayward, has continued to grow from strength to strength from its inception ten years ago when it made its debut at the Davis Cup programme in 1997.
The BNYJE was organised to provide young people with an opportunity to develop their musical talents and skills, and to enable them, through public functions, to express their artistic prowess. Membership over the years has included middle, secondary and college level students, in addition to young adults.
Dr. Melvyn Bassett chairman of the BNYJE explained that members meet consistently for rehearsals every Tuesday evening at the Bermuda College.
"Over the course of each year, the group responds to requests to perform for numerous organisations, local charities, churches, and school groups without compensation," he said.
"As a partial reward, and as an incentive to encourage consistency, the members are supported in attending an annual overseas music camp. However, each member is required to pay $250 towards their expenses.
"This nominal fee is designed to ensure that those with financial challenges are not denied the opportunity to be included.
"The objective of the annual Jazz Camp project is to provide the talented young musicians with the opportunity to receive specialised instruction to enhance their skills, to gain greater self and stage confidence, and to enable them to interact with other talented young musicians from various parts of the world."
Although a fair portion of the funding for the jazz camp is usually raised by staging the annual concert, the project would not be possible without the support of the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation, the Bermuda Arts Council, some local businesses and individuals who have consistently supported the initiative over the past eight years.
"Their support has enabled the Ensemble to attend camps in the United States, Canada, Cuba, and in the UK," added Dr. Bassett. "This year, members of the group will attend the William Paterson University Summer Jazz Camp. Instructors will include renowned jazz artists such as Dr. Billy Taylor and Clark Terry."
Over the years the BNYJE has had more than 50 talented young musicians associated with the group.
He said: "Many remain throughout their school years, and then return after college. One former member has recently become a qualified music teacher in the public school system, and a second will join the teaching profession next year. "In addition, we are encouraged by the fact that there are former members playing professionally here in Bermuda, and abroad."
Tickets can be obtained from People's Pharmacy, Caesar's Pharmacy or
