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The MYJO Organisation The MYJO organisation was formed over thirty years ago, and has evolved into its present format, as demand and interest has increased. Originally it was a night school class, and the musical director paid as a tutor. However, because of financial cutbacks, this financial association ceased a few years ago. The MYJO now collects subscriptions on a termly basis, and these pay for the tutors of MYJO TOO! and MYJO 3. Recently, the MAC (Midland Arts Centre) has been forced to charge for rehearsal accommodation, but provides three spaces per week for most weeks of the year, and in addition, an attractive environment in which MYJO is based. Parents of the younger members are welcome to attend rehearsals, and all the bands operate on an open-house basis. This provides a stimulus at rehearsals, but also offers the opportunity for interested parties to observe the rehearsal process. All three orchestras perform on a termly basis, usually on a Sunday lunchtime. This gives parents and friends (particularly of the younger bands) the opportunity to watch their children perform,, and to observe the more accomplished players in action. It also enables supporters to follow the progress of players as they develop their skills, and finally presents the opportunity to review the comparative standards of all its players, with a view to future movement to the next orchestra. MYJO 3 and MYJO TOO! also undertake occasional concerts of their own, performing at fetes, informal engagements, and festivals. MYJO TOO!
MYJO 3 • Overall objectives of MYJO 1) To provide access to skills of musical improvisation, big band ensemble playing and jazz awareness for approx. 70 young people virtually every week throughout the year. This is achieved by the existence of three big bands, each at a different level of ability, and by progress via audition into MYJO, and then from MYJO 3 to MYJO TOO!, and finally to the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra. 2) To offer opportunities for young adult players to perform in a big band with the highest standards possible, and to act as a channel for some of these players into the very competitive world of non classical professional music. 3) In furtherance of the above, to offer these players the opportunities to perform with some of the great jazz artists of the age, and to perform in some of the great venues. 4) To provide a weekly social grouping of young people with similar interests, and to encourage self confidence, self development, and importantly, individual responsibility within a group context. 5) To ensure that MYJO is an organisation of equal opportunities. 6) To strive for excellence, and enjoy our music at the same time. |