I was delighted to be invited by Matt Shaw to be the first ever bassist with the 'Halle Youth Big Band'.
In July 2009, Matt Shaw, a fellow student at the RNCM, established the Halle Youth Big Band with the support of the Halle's management to offer the musicians of the Halle Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir a chance to play music of the big band and jazz genres, and perform gigs around the country.
The Halle Youth Big Band plays a varied mixture of big band standards and new compositions, many of which have been arranged or composed by Matt Shaw, the bands musical director. Influences include Gordon Goodwins Big Phat Band, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Quincy Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Michael Buble and Ted Heath.
For more information, or to enquire into booking the band,
The Hallé Youth Ensembles Admin.
Write to: The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS
Tel: Hallé Youth Ensembles Admin office on 0161 237 7011
Email ... Matt Shaw at hybb@live.co.uk
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