Gloucestershire Jazz Live [GJL] is an award winning Jazz centre that hosts county youth and adult jazz groups for local musicians of any Jazz experience. We have two youth groups and one adult group in GJL who typically have between 26-30 rehearsals and a strong variety of performances each academic year.
Musicians are encouraged to learn how to develop and improve their Jazz ensemble playing in regular rehearsing and performing with musicians of similar ability, as well as developing their own individual practice and playing.
All our members are also encouraged to be proactive in developing and demonstrating good listening, musical awareness, organisational, reading, sight-reading, improvising and "jamming" skills. Understanding the breadth of the Jazz idiom, relevant Jazz theory and practice are also important in our provision. Most of all the enjoyment of music-making is at the heart of our weekly sessions, performances and events.
GJL Website update - π» All GJL webpage information has been updated in October 2025 and our GYJO January 2026 audition criteria will be available for download by Monday 3 November 2025.
π§ Visit and listen to our GYJA Recorded performances playlist on our GJL YouTube channel - do subscribe to the channel if interested in any future new video uploads and access our online audio weblinks for our 2024-25 GYJA repertoire (this will be updated prior to our September 2025 rehearsals).
* A junior group encouraging the next young generation of budding jazz musicians.
* Training - This ensemble is the ideal opportunity for any young musicians keen to explore jazz music for the first time and develop fundamental musical skills and musicianship.
* Young musicians ideally grade 4 and above are encouraged to join - no experience of jazz nor audition is necessary, however the willingness to participate, listen attentively and the ability to read music notation is important, as well as frequent independent practice.
* Typical student age range is 9 - 17.
* Directed by Tessa Frye and Maureen Currie.
* Repertoire - The band perform in a range of genres / styles and develop listening, reading, improvising, ensemble and individual musical skills.
* Performances - GYJA is involved in our GM presents concerts, our annual GJL concerts and typically performs in youth and jazz festivals each academic year (eg. NCBF, Music for Youth regionals, Cheltenham Jazz festival, Upton Jazz festival and Jazz Stroud)
* After GYJA? Members typically move up to GYJO (following successful audition) when they feel ready in terms of their playing ability, musical awareness / jazz theory, notation reading and improvising.
π§ Visit and listen to our GYJO Recorded performances on our GJL YouTube channel - do subscribe to the channel if interested in any future new video uploads and access our GYJO 2025-26 Repertoire playlist on our GJL YouTube channel.
* An advanced senior group ideally for experienced youth performers, encouraging the next leading young generation of budding Jazz musicians.
* Training - This ensemble is the highest accolade for young county musicians wishing to develop and advance their Jazz individual and ensemble playing skills even further.
* Young musicians ideally grade 6 and above are encouraged to trial and audition, however the willingness to participate, listen attentively and the ability to have independent music notation reading (and sight-reading), frequent practice and improvising skills is all important. There is no expectation to be strong at all of these, however being open to trying and committing is vital to every members' and the band's success.
* Entry to the band is through attending three trial rehearsals and an audition (please see the "GYJO entry, trials and audition" menu for more information). A strong commitment in rehearsal and independent practice is pivotal to gaining the most out of the GYJO experience.
* Ideal for young musicians up to the age of 21 (anyone over 21 is eligible for Jazz2Go)
* The band is directed by Peter Martin.
* GYJO learn and perform a diverse range of repertoire with an emphasis on broad variety, challenge and developing advanced listening, ensemble, improvisation and other jazz skills (eg. theoretical knowledge of chords, chord symbols and sequences / scales and modes / performing in different genres and styles etc.).
* Since 2006 the band have had the opportunity for coaching that allows band-members' arrangements and compositions to be developed, performed, recorded and fully showcased.
* Performances - GYJO is involved in our GM Presents concerts, our annual GJL concerts and typically performs in youth and jazz festivals each academic year (eg. NCBF, Music for Youth regional and national festivals, Cheltenham Jazz festival, Upton Jazz Festival, Jazz Stroud). On some occasions they are involved in GYJO specific concerts or invited to be involved in other performance opportunities eg. Gloucestershire Motor Show, Churchdown Community Centre, Rotary Club Carol Concert 2023 and 2024. In November 2016 GYJO had the privilege to perform at the Music For Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
* After GYJO? Some members typically move onto jobs / apprenticeships and can join our Jazz2Go group once age 22. GYJO members who go to university / college courses have kept us up-to-date on further education / community big-bands and ensembles they join and of course create, lead and tour themselves!
* Music graduates - Many ex-GYJO players have gained places on Music under and post graduate degree courses (including Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Leeds College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Liverpool University, Oxford University, Cambridge University and Berklee College of Music [Boston, USA]). Some ex-GYJO players are now professional musicians and music educators too.
π§ View and listen to our Jazz2Go performance on our GJL YouTube channel - do subscribe to the channel if interested in any future new video uploads.
* A training adult jazz ensemble ideal for musicians wanting to learn about jazz, from any breadth of experience.
* Adult musicians grade 4 (ie. the ability to read notated music confidently) and above are encouraged to join.
* Training - The band encourages and helps develop improvisation skills and ensemble playing from members.
* No audition is required - just being keen, attending every week and frequent independent practice.
* The band is directed by Tessa Frye.
* Jazz2Go learn and perform a broad range of repertoire with an emphasis on securing key jazz skills and developing approaches to improvisation.
* Performances - Jazz2Go is involved in our GM presents concerts, some of our GJL concerts and often chooses to perform in other events eg. the National Concert Band Festival. Jazz2Go sometimes also acquire their own concerts / gigs throughout each year when opportunity allows and usually have an end of year concert opportunity.
π§ Visit and listen to our GYJA Recorded performances playlist on our GJL YouTube channel - do subscribe to the channel if interested in any future new video uploads and access our online audio weblinks for our 2024-25 GYJA repertoire (this will be updated prior to our September 2025 rehearsals).
* A junior group encouraging the next young generation of budding jazz musicians.
* Training - This ensemble is the ideal opportunity for any young musicians keen to explore jazz music for the first time and develop fundamental musical skills and musicianship.
* Young musicians ideally grade 4 and above are encouraged to join - no experience of jazz nor audition is necessary, however the willingness to participate, listen attentively and the ability to read music notation is important, as well as frequent independent practice.
* Typical student age range is 9 - 17.
* Directed by Tessa Frye and Maureen Currie.
* Repertoire - The band perform in a range of genres / styles and develop listening, reading, improvising, ensemble and individual musical skills.
* Performances - GYJA is involved in our GM presents concerts, our annual GJL concerts and typically performs in youth and jazz festivals each academic year (eg. NCBF, Music for Youth regionals, Cheltenham Jazz festival, Upton Jazz festival and Jazz Stroud)
* After GYJA? Members typically move up to GYJO (following successful audition) when they feel ready in terms of their playing ability, musical awareness / jazz theory, notation reading and improvising.
π§ Visit and listen to our GYJO Recorded performances on our GJL YouTube channel - do subscribe to the channel if interested in any future new video uploads and access our GYJO 2025-26 Repertoire playlist on our GJL YouTube channel.
* An advanced senior group ideally for experienced youth performers, encouraging the next leading young generation of budding Jazz musicians.
* Training - This ensemble is the highest accolade for young county musicians wishing to develop and advance their Jazz individual and ensemble playing skills even further.
* Young musicians ideally grade 6 and above are encouraged to trial and audition, however the willingness to participate, listen attentively and the ability to have independent music notation reading (and sight-reading), frequent practice and improvising skills is all important. There is no expectation to be strong at all of these, however being open to trying and committing is vital to every members' and the band's success.
* Entry to the band is through attending three trial rehearsals and an audition (please see the "GYJO entry, trials and audition" menu for more information). A strong commitment in rehearsal and independent practice is pivotal to gaining the most out of the GYJO experience.
* Ideal for young musicians up to the age of 21 (anyone over 21 is eligible for Jazz2Go)
* The band is directed by Peter Martin.
* GYJO learn and perform a diverse range of repertoire with an emphasis on broad variety, challenge and developing advanced listening, ensemble, improvisation and other jazz skills (eg. theoretical knowledge of chords, chord symbols and sequences / scales and modes / performing in different genres and styles etc.).
* Since 2006 the band have had the opportunity for coaching that allows band-members' arrangements and compositions to be developed, performed, recorded and fully showcased.
* Performances - GYJO is involved in our GM Presents concerts, our annual GJL concerts and typically performs in youth and jazz festivals each academic year (eg. NCBF, Music for Youth regional and national festivals, Cheltenham Jazz festival, Upton Jazz Festival, Jazz Stroud). On some occasions they are involved in GYJO specific concerts or invited to be involved in other performance opportunities eg. Gloucestershire Motor Show, Churchdown Community Centre, Rotary Club Carol Concert 2023 and 2024. In November 2016 GYJO had the privilege to perform at the Music For Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
* After GYJO? Some members typically move onto jobs / apprenticeships and can join our Jazz2Go group once age 22. GYJO members who go to university / college courses have kept us up-to-date on further education / community big-bands and ensembles they join and of course create, lead and tour themselves!
* Music graduates - Many ex-GYJO players have gained places on Music under and post graduate degree courses (including Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Leeds College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Liverpool University, Oxford University, Cambridge University and Berklee College of Music [Boston, USA]). Some ex-GYJO players are now professional musicians and music educators too.
π§ View and listen to our Jazz2Go performance on our GJL YouTube channel - do subscribe to the channel if interested in any future new video uploads.
* A training adult jazz ensemble ideal for musicians wanting to learn about jazz, from any breadth of experience.
* Adult musicians grade 4 (ie. the ability to read notated music confidently) and above are encouraged to join.
* Training - The band encourages and helps develop improvisation skills and ensemble playing from members.
* No audition is required - just being keen, attending every week and frequent independent practice.
* The band is directed by Tessa Frye.
* Jazz2Go learn and perform a broad range of repertoire with an emphasis on securing key jazz skills and developing approaches to improvisation.
* Performances - Jazz2Go is involved in our GM presents concerts, some of our GJL concerts and often chooses to perform in other events eg. the National Concert Band Festival. Jazz2Go sometimes also acquire their own concerts / gigs throughout each year when opportunity allows and usually have an end of year concert opportunity.
If you wish to attend a trial rehearsal for any of our groups, you can make contact with Gloucestershire Music who will forward information to our GJL team.
You can also contact our GJL team directly. Please download and complete the Musician information sheet and email this to either Tessa Frye (Jazz2Go) or Peter Martin (GYJO) or Gloucestershire Music (GYJA).
Please make sure your email content provides the trial musician's first and last name, how you heard about us and why they are interested in the group (this is all useful for us). We will reply as soon as we can.
Term 1 & 2 (2025)
β’ Wednesday 17, 24 September and 1 October 2025 (for GYJA and GYJO)
β’ Wednesday 8 and 15 October 2025 (additional GYJA trials)
Term 3 & 4 (2026)
β’ Wednesdays 14, 21 and 28 January 2026 (for GYJA and GYJO)
β’ Wednesday 4 and 11 February 2026 (additional GYJA trials)
Term 5 & 6 (2026)
β’ Wednesday 13 and 20 May 2026 (only for GYJO Singer auditions and GYJA)
NB. Parents / carers are welcome to stay and listen to GYJA and GYJO trial rehearsals.
GYJA and Jazz2Go welcome committed musicians from Grade 4 and above with no audition necessary. The ability to read notated music and practice and perform with encouraging independence is important, as well as being willing to give improvising a go when members feel ready. GYJO entry requires c. grade 6 standard and an audition - please see our separate "GYJO Entry and auditions" menu.
Grades are only a guide to the level required. More important is a strong commitment and positive attitude alongside a willingness to develop musical skills and musicianship through frequent and focused practice.
Instrumental and vocal teachers may recommend students for a specific group however our GJL Staff will give guidance on the best time to join an ensemble as a member or any other next best steps for musical progress.
Once you have gained a place in one of the groups, you will be required to maintain a high percentage of attendance at rehearsals and performances, with frequent committed practice which enables you and the ensemble to enjoy their musical success and progress. A place within an ensemble maybe withdrawn if commitment is deemed unsatisfactory.
Useful theory and specific musical skills are put into practice in our rehearsals, however please let the group Director know if scales, chords or improvising need to be more familiar to you - we are here to encourage, guide, support and help you. Please ask us any questions in rehearsals that will aid your playing, musical awareness and theoretical knowledge.
π» View / Download our "GJL Voice and Instrument - Suggested targets" which provides our members with suggested knowledge and skills for development for each musical role within our bands.
If you wish to attend a trial rehearsal for any of our groups, you can make contact with Gloucestershire Music who will forward information to our GJL team.
You can also contact our GJL team directly. Please download and complete the Musician information sheet and email this to either Tessa Frye (Jazz2Go) or Peter Martin (GYJO) or Gloucestershire Music (GYJA).
Please make sure your email content provides the trial musician's first and last name, how you heard about us and why they are interested in the group (this is all useful for us). We will reply as soon as we can.
Term 1 & 2 (2025)
β’ Wednesday 17, 24 September and 1 October 2025 (for GYJA and GYJO)
β’ Wednesday 8 and 15 October 2025 (additional GYJA trials)
Term 3 & 4 (2026)
β’ Wednesdays 14, 21 and 28 January 2026 (for GYJA and GYJO)
β’ Wednesday 4 and 11 February 2026 (additional GYJA trials)
Term 5 & 6 (2026)
β’ Wednesday 13 and 20 May 2026 (only for GYJO Singer auditions and GYJA)
NB. Parents / carers are welcome to stay and listen to GYJA and GYJO trial rehearsals.
GYJA and Jazz2Go welcome committed musicians from Grade 4 and above with no audition necessary. The ability to read notated music and practice and perform with encouraging independence is important, as well as being willing to give improvising a go when members feel ready. GYJO entry requires c. grade 6 standard and an audition - please see our separate "GYJO Entry and auditions" menu.
Grades are only a guide to the level required. More important is a strong commitment and positive attitude alongside a willingness to develop musical skills and musicianship through frequent and focused practice.
Instrumental and vocal teachers may recommend students for a specific group however our GJL Staff will give guidance on the best time to join an ensemble as a member or any other next best steps for musical progress.
Once you have gained a place in one of the groups, you will be required to maintain a high percentage of attendance at rehearsals and performances, with frequent committed practice which enables you and the ensemble to enjoy their musical success and progress. A place within an ensemble maybe withdrawn if commitment is deemed unsatisfactory.
Useful theory and specific musical skills are put into practice in our rehearsals, however please let the group Director know if scales, chords or improvising need to be more familiar to you - we are here to encourage, guide, support and help you. Please ask us any questions in rehearsals that will aid your playing, musical awareness and theoretical knowledge.
π» View / Download our "GJL Voice and Instrument - Suggested targets" which provides our members with suggested knowledge and skills for development for each musical role within our bands.
GYJO welcome youth musicians who are ideally grade 6 standard. Attending three trial rehearsals and an audition are important to gaining a place in GYJO. These allow students to experience our typical rehearsals (sight-reading, improvising, interaction, rehearsing and responding to the Director's instructions), experience the ensemble playing and demonstrate their independent musical skills in the audition.
NB 1. Singers can only audition in May 2026 for our 2026-27 academic year - more information can be found below so you can see this in advance of May 2026.
NB 2. For our January 2026 auditions GYJO has current vacancy for wind & woodwind players (a limited number of saxophonists, clarinettists, flautists, trombonists, trumpeters) and our rhythm section has vacancy for two guitarists (maximum). Violinists, cellists, oboists, bassoonists, french-horn players, baritone horn players are welcome to trial too, however this is also dependent on our current band size and rehearsal space too! Please enquire with our GYJO Director if unsure.
NB 3. As a reminder GYJO welcomes any young musicians up to age 21.
π§ Visit and listen to our GYJO Recorded performances playlist on our GJL YouTube channel to get useful measure of suitability for the band and our typical repertoire.
Our GYJO trial and audition dates are scheduled as follows:
September 2025 - Instrumentalists for term 1 and 2 GYJO membership onwards
β’ Trials on Wednesday 17, 24 September & 1 October 2025 β’ Auditions on Wednesday 24 September & 1 October 2025
January 2026 - Instrumentalists for term 3 and 4 GYJO membership onwards
β’ Trials on Wednesday 14, 21 & 28 January 2026 β’ Auditions on Wednesday 21 & 28 January 2026
May 2026 - ONLY for the GYJO annual singing auditions for September 2026 - July 2027 membership onwards
β’ Trials on Wednesday 13 & 20 May 2026 β’ Auditions on Wednesday 20 May 2026
View / download our full GYJO 2025-26 audition criteria which explains all details about the entry process, trial rehearsal and audition.
The GYJO entry and audition process requires students to demonstrate their best organisation and communication skills by providing an application email with answers to our application questions, attending our three trial rehearsals and in preparation for the audition. Students should ask any further questions they have about GYJO in our brief discussion with the panel at the end of the audition.
In the audition students will demonstrate their performance skills by a prepared piece and sight reading which we provide, as well as their improvising skills over 2-3 prepared chord sequences (one will be chosen in the audition). Drummers will have opportunity to improvise too. Our GYJO audition panel typically involves our GYJO Director with some current GYJO members.
GYJO places are typically offered on a basis of good organisation and communication skills, a positive contribution to our trial rehearsals, as well as students demonstrating a well prepared audition and performance. Being prepared to show improvising skills and explain the approaches used is important. Sight-reading does need to have a fair level of potential / strength to be able to manage the amount of repertoire GYJO typically learn, which has a broad range of challenge and technical demand.
Please also note if we have more than two musicians auditioning we will likely schedule collective auditions rather than individuals, so we can audition efficiently in a group.
GYJO welcome youth musicians who are ideally grade 6 standard. Attending three trial rehearsals and an audition are important to gaining a place in GYJO. These allow students to experience our typical rehearsals (sight-reading, improvising, interaction, rehearsing and responding to the Director's instructions), experience the ensemble playing and demonstrate their independent musical skills in the audition.
NB 1. Singers can only audition in May 2026 for our 2026-27 academic year - more information can be found below so you can see this in advance of May 2026.
NB 2. For our January 2026 auditions GYJO has current vacancy for wind & woodwind players (a limited number of saxophonists, clarinettists, flautists, trombonists, trumpeters) and our rhythm section has vacancy for two guitarists (maximum). Violinists, cellists, oboists, bassoonists, french-horn players, baritone horn players are welcome to trial too, however this is also dependent on our current band size and rehearsal space too! Please enquire with our GYJO Director if unsure.
NB 3. As a reminder GYJO welcomes any young musicians up to age 21.
π§ Visit and listen to our GYJO Recorded performances playlist on our GJL YouTube channel to get useful measure of suitability for the band and our typical repertoire.
Our GYJO trial and audition dates are scheduled as follows:
September 2025 - Instrumentalists for term 1 and 2 GYJO membership onwards
β’ Trials on Wednesday 17, 24 September & 1 October 2025 β’ Auditions on Wednesday 24 September & 1 October 2025
January 2026 - Instrumentalists for term 3 and 4 GYJO membership onwards
β’ Trials on Wednesday 14, 21 & 28 January 2026 β’ Auditions on Wednesday 21 & 28 January 2026
May 2026 - ONLY for the GYJO annual singing auditions for September 2026 - July 2027 membership onwards
β’ Trials on Wednesday 13 & 20 May 2026 β’ Auditions on Wednesday 20 May 2026
View / download our full GYJO 2025-26 audition criteria which explains all details about the entry process, trial rehearsal and audition.
The GYJO entry and audition process requires students to demonstrate their best organisation and communication skills by providing an application email with answers to our application questions, attending our three trial rehearsals and in preparation for the audition. Students should ask any further questions they have about GYJO in our brief discussion with the panel at the end of the audition.
In the audition students will demonstrate their performance skills by a prepared piece and sight reading which we provide, as well as their improvising skills over 2-3 prepared chord sequences (one will be chosen in the audition). Drummers will have opportunity to improvise too. Our GYJO audition panel typically involves our GYJO Director with some current GYJO members.
GYJO places are typically offered on a basis of good organisation and communication skills, a positive contribution to our trial rehearsals, as well as students demonstrating a well prepared audition and performance. Being prepared to show improvising skills and explain the approaches used is important. Sight-reading does need to have a fair level of potential / strength to be able to manage the amount of repertoire GYJO typically learn, which has a broad range of challenge and technical demand.
Please also note if we have more than two musicians auditioning we will likely schedule collective auditions rather than individuals, so we can audition efficiently in a group.
18:00 - 19:30 (GYJA) β
19:00 - 21:00 (GYJO and Jazz2Go)
Rehearsals are during term time only and our performances are always spread out over the academic year.
* View / download our on-site rehearsal room directions
* Our 2025-26 rehearsal and performance schedule is available on our online GM calendar
* View / download our "GJL 2025-26 Dates for diaries PDF (July 2025 update)" - for information about our weekly / sectional / trial rehearsals, performances and other events.
NB. Performance logistics and details are emailed to GJL members directly from Gloucestershire Music staff prior to each event.
PLEASE NOTE we require written notification of any commitment clashes by email to our directors by the end of September 2025 for autumn members, by the end of January 2026 for new year members and by 2 March 2026 for any summer exams / events.
We do not want our members disappointed with clashes that happen due to short notice from school / college or employed work events.
Jazz2Go members MUST email Tessa Frye
GYJO members MUST email Peter Martin
GYJA members MUST email Rachel Waters
Our GJL Sectional rehearsal schedule is provided below. Band members' attendance is absolutely crucial on these dates - thank you.
Term 1 & 2 - Wednesday 19 November 2025
Term 3 & 4 - Wednesday 25 February 2026
Term 5 & 6 - Wednesday 17 June 2026
GYJA and Jazz2Go sectionals will be led as determined by their Directors.
GYJO sectionals will be led by Section Leaders with support from the Assistant Section Leader (both as invited and supported by the GYJO Director).
* View / download our GYJO Section and Assistant Section Leader roles .β
NB. Additional sectionals may be scheduled, however our band Directors will inform and remind members about these in prior rehearsals.
18:00 - 19:30 (GYJA) β
19:00 - 21:00 (GYJO and Jazz2Go)
Rehearsals are during term time only and our performances are always spread out over the academic year.
* View / download our on-site rehearsal room directions
* Our 2025-26 rehearsal and performance schedule is available on our online GM calendar
* View / download our "GJL 2025-26 Dates for diaries PDF (July 2025 update)" - for information about our weekly / sectional / trial rehearsals, performances and other events.
NB. Performance logistics and details are emailed to GJL members directly from Gloucestershire Music staff prior to each event.
PLEASE NOTE we require written notification of any commitment clashes by email to our directors by the end of September 2025 for autumn members, by the end of January 2026 for new year members and by 2 March 2026 for any summer exams / events.
We do not want our members disappointed with clashes that happen due to short notice from school / college or employed work events.
Jazz2Go members MUST email Tessa Frye
GYJO members MUST email Peter Martin
GYJA members MUST email Rachel Waters
Our GJL Sectional rehearsal schedule is provided below. Band members' attendance is absolutely crucial on these dates - thank you.
Term 1 & 2 - Wednesday 19 November 2025
Term 3 & 4 - Wednesday 25 February 2026
Term 5 & 6 - Wednesday 17 June 2026
GYJA and Jazz2Go sectionals will be led as determined by their Directors.
GYJO sectionals will be led by Section Leaders with support from the Assistant Section Leader (both as invited and supported by the GYJO Director).
* View / download our GYJO Section and Assistant Section Leader roles .β
NB. Additional sectionals may be scheduled, however our band Directors will inform and remind members about these in prior rehearsals.
You can enquire about joining our groups at any time (see "Contact" menu below). Subscription for 2024-25 was amazing value at under Β£170 a year (2025-26 subscription will be notified by September 2025). The fee also entitles you to join as many groups as you like and covers the academic year from September - July. If you join part way through the year we will reduce your fee accordingly. We may however ask you to wait a few weeks before joining a group if they have an immediate performance that they are working towards.
We still have bursaries available through Friends of Gloucestershire Young Musicians if you are facing financial hardship; if you wish to apply for a bursary please email us on glosmusic@gloucestershire.gov.uk
πΉ Details of joining, costs and becoming a member: Visit our GM join / renew webpage
πΊ Hire an instrument: Visit our GM hire webpage
π§ Online video / audio - Visit our Gloucestershire Music YouTube channel - Please subscribe if interested in our video updates.
π§ Online video / audio - Visit our Gloucestershire Jazz Live YouTube channel - Please subscribe to our channel & see our different playlists.
πΌ Developing your jazz skills and theory: Any NEW and existing GJL members can email Peter Martin to request the latest version of our supporting Jazz booklet (promotes useful and recommended resources for all our members).
π» Our social media profiles
* Visit and like our GYJA Facebook profile
* Visit and like our GYJO Facebook profile
* Visit and like our GM Facebook profile
* Visit and follow our GM X (Twitter) profile
* Visit and follow our GM Instagram profile
You can enquire about joining our groups at any time (see "Contact" menu below). Subscription for 2024-25 was amazing value at under Β£170 a year (2025-26 subscription will be notified by September 2025). The fee also entitles you to join as many groups as you like and covers the academic year from September - July. If you join part way through the year we will reduce your fee accordingly. We may however ask you to wait a few weeks before joining a group if they have an immediate performance that they are working towards.
We still have bursaries available through Friends of Gloucestershire Young Musicians if you are facing financial hardship; if you wish to apply for a bursary please email us on glosmusic@gloucestershire.gov.uk
πΉ Details of joining, costs and becoming a member: Visit our GM join / renew webpage
πΊ Hire an instrument: Visit our GM hire webpage
π§ Online video / audio - Visit our Gloucestershire Music YouTube channel - Please subscribe if interested in our video updates.
π§ Online video / audio - Visit our Gloucestershire Jazz Live YouTube channel - Please subscribe to our channel & see our different playlists.
πΌ Developing your jazz skills and theory: Any NEW and existing GJL members can email Peter Martin to request the latest version of our supporting Jazz booklet (promotes useful and recommended resources for all our members).
π» Our social media profiles
* Visit and like our GYJA Facebook profile
* Visit and like our GYJO Facebook profile
* Visit and like our GM Facebook profile
* Visit and follow our GM X (Twitter) profile
* Visit and follow our GM Instagram profile
GJL Membership enquiries:
βοΈ Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ glosmusic@gloucestershire.gov.uk
GJL Centre enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Rachel Waters at Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ Rachel.Waters@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Jazz2Go enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Tessa Frye at Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ glosmusic@gloucestershire.gov.uk
GYJA enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Rachel Waters at Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ Rachel.Waters@gloucestershire.gov.uk
GYJO enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Peter Martin (GYJO Director) 07730 343299 π§ Peter.Martin@gloucestershire.gov.uk
* View / download our on-site rehearsal directions to locate all our rehearsal rooms on the school sites.
πΊοΈ GYJA and GYJO - Rehearsal location
Cheltenham Bournside School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham GL51 3EF
πΊοΈ Jazz2Go - Rehearsal location
Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham GL51 3AT
GJL Membership enquiries:
βοΈ Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ glosmusic@gloucestershire.gov.uk
GJL Centre enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Rachel Waters at Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ Rachel.Waters@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Jazz2Go enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Tessa Frye at Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ glosmusic@gloucestershire.gov.uk
GYJA enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Rachel Waters at Gloucestershire Music 01452 427242 π§ Rachel.Waters@gloucestershire.gov.uk
GYJO enquiries:
βοΈ FAO - Peter Martin (GYJO Director) 07730 343299 π§ Peter.Martin@gloucestershire.gov.uk
* View / download our on-site rehearsal directions to locate all our rehearsal rooms on the school sites.
πΊοΈ GYJA and GYJO - Rehearsal location
Cheltenham Bournside School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham GL51 3EF
πΊοΈ Jazz2Go - Rehearsal location
Belmont School, Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham GL51 3AT
News and promotion about our forthcoming 2025-26 and past 2024-25 performances are best viewed on our social media channels.
GYJA Facebook profile and GYJO Facebook profile.
GM Facebook profile GM Instagram profile, GM Twitter profile
These were busy months including the Music for Youth 2024 Regional Festival, a Jazz Workshop with GYJO and DYJO alumni now professional musicians (Aidan Pope, James Owston and Emma Rawicz), Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2024 (we had 3 hours playing in total, plus an extra 1-hour set for our GYJO Combo too!), our annual GJL Summer concert at Gupshill Manor, Upton Jazz Festival 2024, GYJO's invitation to the Music for Youth 2024 National Festival and of course our GM Tour to Prague in August 2024.
Check our social media channels for any photos, posts and compliments after each of the above events. We have been so busy we have not had time to publish these events on this newspage!
The end of January 2024 saw all our GJL groups perform at Cheltenham Town Hall for the GM Winter concert of the 2023-24 year. It is fair to say all groups played incredibly well and this was a fantastic start to our year's events. It also saw our first ever GJL Jam session which featured members of Jazz2Go, GYJA and GYJO all performing together. We will definitely be continuing on these successes.
The end of October 2023 saw the Jazz Promotion Networkβs largest ever conference hosted at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Our GJL Staff attended and got useful further insight into our current Jazz scene and our potential future with other associates across the UK and Europe. It was a fantastic surprise to also see former GYJO members exclusively performing a new commission at the opening evening concert.
Read this article for more information about our GYJO Alumni Robbie and Ewan Moore who now perform as a neo-fusion Jazz duo BigHeadMode. Check out their music, videos and more on these weblinks:
Robbie's website: https://www.robbiemooremusic.com/
Robbie's producer profile: https://linktr.ee/buddyanalogue
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@_bigheadmode_
Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/_bigheadmode_/
Bandcamp profile: https://bigheadm0de.bandcamp.com/
News and promotion about our forthcoming 2025-26 and past 2024-25 performances are best viewed on our social media channels.
GYJA Facebook profile and GYJO Facebook profile.
GM Facebook profile GM Instagram profile, GM Twitter profile
These were busy months including the Music for Youth 2024 Regional Festival, a Jazz Workshop with GYJO and DYJO alumni now professional musicians (Aidan Pope, James Owston and Emma Rawicz), Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2024 (we had 3 hours playing in total, plus an extra 1-hour set for our GYJO Combo too!), our annual GJL Summer concert at Gupshill Manor, Upton Jazz Festival 2024, GYJO's invitation to the Music for Youth 2024 National Festival and of course our GM Tour to Prague in August 2024.
Check our social media channels for any photos, posts and compliments after each of the above events. We have been so busy we have not had time to publish these events on this newspage!
The end of January 2024 saw all our GJL groups perform at Cheltenham Town Hall for the GM Winter concert of the 2023-24 year. It is fair to say all groups played incredibly well and this was a fantastic start to our year's events. It also saw our first ever GJL Jam session which featured members of Jazz2Go, GYJA and GYJO all performing together. We will definitely be continuing on these successes.
The end of October 2023 saw the Jazz Promotion Networkβs largest ever conference hosted at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Our GJL Staff attended and got useful further insight into our current Jazz scene and our potential future with other associates across the UK and Europe. It was a fantastic surprise to also see former GYJO members exclusively performing a new commission at the opening evening concert.
Read this article for more information about our GYJO Alumni Robbie and Ewan Moore who now perform as a neo-fusion Jazz duo BigHeadMode. Check out their music, videos and more on these weblinks:
Robbie's website: https://www.robbiemooremusic.com/
Robbie's producer profile: https://linktr.ee/buddyanalogue
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@_bigheadmode_
Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/_bigheadmode_/
Bandcamp profile: https://bigheadm0de.bandcamp.com/
We will re-update on these months if and when we get time (prior website issues), however do check out our GYJO and GYJA Facebook profiles over mid 2023 if you want to know right now!
Our first ever visit to a conservatoire was a fascinating experience. See our article below to find out more about this unique opportunity.
February 2023 - An amazing recording experience! 
We will re-update on these months if and when we get time (prior website issues), however do check out our GYJO and GYJA Facebook profiles over mid 2023 if you want to know right now!
Our first ever visit to a conservatoire was a fascinating experience. See our article below to find out more about this unique opportunity.
February 2023 - An amazing recording experience! We have been very fortunate to return to our in-person rehearsals (since September 2021) at Bournside School. Whilst these have been slightly reduced rehearsals to pre-March 2020, we had our GM 2022 Winter concert at Pittville Pump Rooms, GYJO Combo performed at Upton Jazz Festival's October 2022 Jazz day and all GJL groups performed at the Music for Youth regional festival (Stroud Subscription Rooms) in March 2022. We also had a great opportunity to enjoy a Jazz workshop with NYJO guest educator Paul Edis and some NYJO student ambassadors, plus GYJO performed an evening of Jazz at Churchdown Community Centre in April 2022.
Our last two terms of 2022 saw a return for GYJO Combo at JB's Jazz Club (Cheltenham) and to performing on the Cheltenham Jazz Festival free stage on Monday 2 May (10:00 - 13:00) which featured GYJA, Jazz2Go, GYJO Combo and GYJO - always a highlight on our calendar!
We then had a very welcome return for our GJL Summer concert at Gupshill Manor (Tewkesbury) on Friday 24 June with GYJA and GYJO. This was a busy time for our GYJO Combo too, who performed for the Little Faringdon Church Luncheon and at Down Ampney All Saints Church for the Ralph Vaughan-Williams 150th birthday celebration programme.
GYJO Combo and GYJO were also invited to Birmingham Symphony Hall in July for the Music for Youth National festival which was another brilliant opportunity. So overall a busy year and now very much wishing everyone a restful summer break.
We were very fortunate (as many other UK based music hubs) to have our rehearsals return in October 2020 in the form of five online Zoom sessions each term. This obviously included lots of muting and unmuting ourselves as Zoom does not support multiple musicians playing simultaneously! We did of course make sure we had a great range of repertoire to choose from, listen to, rehearse (with everyone muted), have plenty of musical demonstration and discussion about the Jazz learning, as well as develop our warm-up skills, improvising skills, performance skills and even have collectively muted performances at the end of each term - that was a unique experience!
Before we knew it we added "virtual sectional rehearsals" led by students (yes it did work brilliantly - our student section leaders were fantastic) and overall we worked on an impressive range of repertoire from October 2020 - July 2021. GM Junior Jazz learnt about 12 pieces in this time and GM Senior Jazz learnt about 13 pieces plus 11 songs with Izzi (our GYJO singer). Everyone was fully immersed and we managed more recordings - check out our GM 2021 Spring Concert YouTube concert with "Malibu Drive" at 2'37" and "Virtual Insanity" from 16'15".
We then celebrated these achievements on International Jazz Day 2021 with our GJL Virtual Jazz Story. Click on this link to read more about this!
Think that was it? No, we managed even more!! We were featured on Music for Youths Remix 2021 national festival video wall - GM Junior Jazz andGM Senior Jazz. Then there's our final achievements of 2020-21 where both groups got the approvals with other GM groups for five in-person (and distanced) July 2021 rehearsals - we of course managed a recording session in this time and these YouTube performance recordings concluded our rather ambitious 2020-21 efforts in style.
After these gargantuan efforts a huge thank you must go to the GM management, administration, our GJL team, parents / carers and of course our amazing youth Jazz members. This was of course all a new challenge, but we achieved so much together! A wholehearted thank you for all our youth members being such resilient, passionate and brilliant young musicians to work and perform with and showcase our collective efforts so well.
The music and education industries (similar to so many other industries) met significant challenges following the global circumstances of March 2020. GJL however managed to very quickly adapt our Jazz provision with practical "Jazz Challenges" for our members (developing listening, interpretative, improvising and performance skills) as well as out "100 Jazz Shares" on our GYJA and GYJO Facebook profiles and having shared Jazz Chats with several South-West based UK Jazz musicians. Do check out and like the GYJA or GYJO Facebook profiles and check out the timeline / photos.
Do also check out our two "virtual recordings" from summer 2020: Click here
We have been very fortunate to return to our in-person rehearsals (since September 2021) at Bournside School. Whilst these have been slightly reduced rehearsals to pre-March 2020, we had our GM 2022 Winter concert at Pittville Pump Rooms, GYJO Combo performed at Upton Jazz Festival's October 2022 Jazz day and all GJL groups performed at the Music for Youth regional festival (Stroud Subscription Rooms) in March 2022. We also had a great opportunity to enjoy a Jazz workshop with NYJO guest educator Paul Edis and some NYJO student ambassadors, plus GYJO performed an evening of Jazz at Churchdown Community Centre in April 2022.
Our last two terms of 2022 saw a return for GYJO Combo at JB's Jazz Club (Cheltenham) and to performing on the Cheltenham Jazz Festival free stage on Monday 2 May (10:00 - 13:00) which featured GYJA, Jazz2Go, GYJO Combo and GYJO - always a highlight on our calendar!
We then had a very welcome return for our GJL Summer concert at Gupshill Manor (Tewkesbury) on Friday 24 June with GYJA and GYJO. This was a busy time for our GYJO Combo too, who performed for the Little Faringdon Church Luncheon and at Down Ampney All Saints Church for the Ralph Vaughan-Williams 150th birthday celebration programme.
GYJO Combo and GYJO were also invited to Birmingham Symphony Hall in July for the Music for Youth National festival which was another brilliant opportunity. So overall a busy year and now very much wishing everyone a restful summer break.
We were very fortunate (as many other UK based music hubs) to have our rehearsals return in October 2020 in the form of five online Zoom sessions each term. This obviously included lots of muting and unmuting ourselves as Zoom does not support multiple musicians playing simultaneously! We did of course make sure we had a great range of repertoire to choose from, listen to, rehearse (with everyone muted), have plenty of musical demonstration and discussion about the Jazz learning, as well as develop our warm-up skills, improvising skills, performance skills and even have collectively muted performances at the end of each term - that was a unique experience!
Before we knew it we added "virtual sectional rehearsals" led by students (yes it did work brilliantly - our student section leaders were fantastic) and overall we worked on an impressive range of repertoire from October 2020 - July 2021. GM Junior Jazz learnt about 12 pieces in this time and GM Senior Jazz learnt about 13 pieces plus 11 songs with Izzi (our GYJO singer). Everyone was fully immersed and we managed more recordings - check out our GM 2021 Spring Concert YouTube concert with "Malibu Drive" at 2'37" and "Virtual Insanity" from 16'15".
We then celebrated these achievements on International Jazz Day 2021 with our GJL Virtual Jazz Story. Click on this link to read more about this!
Think that was it? No, we managed even more!! We were featured on Music for Youths Remix 2021 national festival video wall - GM Junior Jazz andGM Senior Jazz. Then there's our final achievements of 2020-21 where both groups got the approvals with other GM groups for five in-person (and distanced) July 2021 rehearsals - we of course managed a recording session in this time and these YouTube performance recordings concluded our rather ambitious 2020-21 efforts in style.
After these gargantuan efforts a huge thank you must go to the GM management, administration, our GJL team, parents / carers and of course our amazing youth Jazz members. This was of course all a new challenge, but we achieved so much together! A wholehearted thank you for all our youth members being such resilient, passionate and brilliant young musicians to work and perform with and showcase our collective efforts so well.
The music and education industries (similar to so many other industries) met significant challenges following the global circumstances of March 2020. GJL however managed to very quickly adapt our Jazz provision with practical "Jazz Challenges" for our members (developing listening, interpretative, improvising and performance skills) as well as out "100 Jazz Shares" on our GYJA and GYJO Facebook profiles and having shared Jazz Chats with several South-West based UK Jazz musicians. Do check out and like the GYJA or GYJO Facebook profiles and check out the timeline / photos.
Do also check out our two "virtual recordings" from summer 2020: Click here
Fitting with Gloucestershire Music's "Super hero and villian" theme, our 3 youth jazz groups performed energetic and lively arrangements associated to Austin Powers, The Pink Panther, James Bond, Mission Impossible, The Avengers, The Incredibles, Spiderman, Batman and the Ghostbusters. Plenty of commendable and impressive feedback was received from our MFY music mentor and we now await news of whether this was solely a memorable and unique one-off event at Cheltenham Town Hall, or whether we are to be invited to the Music for Youth national festival in Birmingham in July 2020.
Two of our jazz tutors (Peter Martin and Tessa Frye) led a one-day workshop for any youth or adult musicians keen to develop their jazz improvisation skills. Hosted at Sir Thomas Rich's school on Sunday 9 February and Sunday 7 June 2020, these were enjoyable and valuable days for everyone involved.
Visit our GM Facebook page for more information about the event.
Fitting with Gloucestershire Music's "Super hero and villian" theme, our 3 youth jazz groups performed energetic and lively arrangements associated to Austin Powers, The Pink Panther, James Bond, Mission Impossible, The Avengers, The Incredibles, Spiderman, Batman and the Ghostbusters. Plenty of commendable and impressive feedback was received from our MFY music mentor and we now await news of whether this was solely a memorable and unique one-off event at Cheltenham Town Hall, or whether we are to be invited to the Music for Youth national festival in Birmingham in July 2020.
Two of our jazz tutors (Peter Martin and Tessa Frye) led a one-day workshop for any youth or adult musicians keen to develop their jazz improvisation skills. Hosted at Sir Thomas Rich's school on Sunday 9 February and Sunday 7 June 2020, these were enjoyable and valuable days for everyone involved.
Visit our GM Facebook page for more information about the event.
GYJA have performed at the NCBF regional festival every year since 2015 and have maintained a consistent record of silver awards. Sunday 25 November 2018 kept this fourth tally (at All Saints College in Cheltenham) and the band delivered another strong programme with great variety.
The band members and directors were particularly pleased with the acknowledgement of "a really good effort", "excellent improvising skills" and "good balance". Our rhythm section got a mention for "a good solid foundation" and our saxophonists were complimented for "good confidence". Our current three vocalists were also commended with "Vocals do really well and especially to remember the words" and how "The ensemble support the vocals in a sympathetic manner." A well done and thank you to all band members involved.
A highlight of every year is performing at the Free Stage at Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the May bank holiday Monday is always a prime slot for our bands. So GYJA, Jazz2Go and GYJO all showcased their most favourite repertoire and entertained a huge, warm (yes it was beautifully sunny throughout the whole weekend) and receptive audience for the whole 3-hour morning set. Another successful and thoroughly enjoyable gig at a local and international jazz festival.
On Sunday 26 November 2017 GYJA performed at the NCBF regional festival in Cheltenham and received a Silver award for their efforts. Particular highlights from our adjudicators included gaining all silver and gold ticks in the award criteria as well as them identifying strengths in our rhythm, style and interpretation skills. The band definitely gave a very good performance, which was quoted as having "a good feeling of style," "good ensemble playing" and where "a lot of good, solid, basic music fundamentals have been established." They also enjoyed our GYJA vocalist who was described as "delightful, very well done." A massive thank you to everyone for a fun and rewarding performance.
Following a submission about our 2016-17 educational provision to the Will Michael awards panel, we were informed in October 2017 that we had been awarded another "Diploma of outstanding commitment to Jazz education." This national recognition is the only of it's kind in the UK and acknowledges the many strengths of education hubs / providers across the country.
Our GJL Director (Peter Martin) attended the awards presentation evening in London in November 2017.
Leslie East (Musician's Company) and Peter Martin (GJL Director)
GYJA have performed at the NCBF regional festival every year since 2015 and have maintained a consistent record of silver awards. Sunday 25 November 2018 kept this fourth tally (at All Saints College in Cheltenham) and the band delivered another strong programme with great variety.
The band members and directors were particularly pleased with the acknowledgement of "a really good effort", "excellent improvising skills" and "good balance". Our rhythm section got a mention for "a good solid foundation" and our saxophonists were complimented for "good confidence". Our current three vocalists were also commended with "Vocals do really well and especially to remember the words" and how "The ensemble support the vocals in a sympathetic manner." A well done and thank you to all band members involved.
A highlight of every year is performing at the Free Stage at Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the May bank holiday Monday is always a prime slot for our bands. So GYJA, Jazz2Go and GYJO all showcased their most favourite repertoire and entertained a huge, warm (yes it was beautifully sunny throughout the whole weekend) and receptive audience for the whole 3-hour morning set. Another successful and thoroughly enjoyable gig at a local and international jazz festival.
On Sunday 26 November 2017 GYJA performed at the NCBF regional festival in Cheltenham and received a Silver award for their efforts. Particular highlights from our adjudicators included gaining all silver and gold ticks in the award criteria as well as them identifying strengths in our rhythm, style and interpretation skills. The band definitely gave a very good performance, which was quoted as having "a good feeling of style," "good ensemble playing" and where "a lot of good, solid, basic music fundamentals have been established." They also enjoyed our GYJA vocalist who was described as "delightful, very well done." A massive thank you to everyone for a fun and rewarding performance.
Following a submission about our 2016-17 educational provision to the Will Michael awards panel, we were informed in October 2017 that we had been awarded another "Diploma of outstanding commitment to Jazz education." This national recognition is the only of it's kind in the UK and acknowledges the many strengths of education hubs / providers across the country.
Our GJL Director (Peter Martin) attended the awards presentation evening in London in November 2017.
Leslie East (Musician's Company) and Peter Martin (GJL Director)