Sage Gateshead

• Age 13-19
• Annual Fee: £850 (international trips may incur an additional cost)
• Bursaries are available
• Recommended for intermediate to advanced players
• Audition required

Jambone is a youth jazz ensemble directed by renowned jazz pianist and composer Paul Edis. They have performed at many high profile events and venues alongside some of the top influential jazz musicians in the country.

Jambone comprises trumpet, trombone, saxophone and flute sections locked together by piano, guitar, bass and drums. The musical mission of the band is anything but conventional, aiming to provide a range of fresh repertoire and performance challenges for its members.

In 2018, Jambone collaborated with James Brady and Issie Barratt for the Gateshead International Jazz Festival and were the support act for Soweto Kinch at the Durham Jazz Festival.

Jambone meet fortnightly, with the first term beginning with a residential weekend in September. There is usually a residential in February and performances throughout the spring and summer term.

Younger and less advanced students may be interested in our non auditioned jazz ensemble, Jazz Attack.

Application and Auditions

The application process for Jambone takes place between February and April each year, with auditions on Tuesday 21 May (4pm onwards) and Wednesday 22 May (4pm onwards).

In Auditions candidates will be asked to:

• Perform two contrasting pieces of their own choice
• Undertake a sightreading test on their instrument
• Improvise over a 12 bar blues, or similar progression

The audition should last no more than 20 minutes in total.

If you require accompaniment please bring your own backing CD (a CD player will be provided), unless it is a straightforward jazz standard, in which case one of the panel will be able to accompany you.

We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in joining part of our Young Musicians Programme. You can email [email protected] or call 0191 443 5252.

Term Dates:
Autumn, Spring & Summer 19/20 schedule