JAZZ.FM91 Youth Band

I realized it’s been since fall of 2009 since I wrote about this wonderful group of young musicians. Given that the group has only been around since 2008 they have made remarkable progress – and a great deal of that progress can be attributed to their leader, trombonist Jules Estrin, who has been conducting the group since 2009. I got a chance to hear Jules and his own  great ensemble at Trane Studio a while back and of course, it gives me even more confidence in the Youth Band leader.

The band is scheduled to perform at Long and McQuade (935 Bloor Street West) this Saturday from 2 - 3:30 p.m. (plus special guest renowned saxophonist Kelly Jefferson)...that should be interesting as to how they will all fit, but I’m sure the logistic concerns are something big bands have a lot of practice with.  I’m sure there will be a lot of proud families in attendance. In case you didn’t know the band practices right at JAZZ.FM91 on Saturdays in the Long and McQuade Performance Area – where numerous Live to Air concerts take place.

I got to meet some of the parents one Saturday this past fall, when they came in with their talented sons and daughters to audition for the Youth Band. Interestingly, I found out that just because you performed with the band the previous year – you didn’t get a free pass – you had to earn your chair. One stylish young lady played the hefty baritone saxophone and for some reason there seemed to be numerous trombone players..not that I objected.

Some great sounds were escaping the Long and McQuade Performance Space Area for sure – a tough decision for adjudicators Jules Estrin and Alex Dean. One of the young hopefuls was the tender age of 12 – a pianist – I’m pretty sure they will be back when they reach high school age. for those musically gifted pre-teens, Jules suggested the amazing Humber Outreach program.

In the meantime, the band has been busy performing – including shows at Trane Studio, a number of summer festivals and even opening for Al Jarreau at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford.  I’m sure you have also caught their annual appearance at “Jazz Lives” at Convocation Hall. On February 27^th they will share the stage with legendary saxophonist, flautist and bandleader Lew Tabackin as part of the Sound of Toronto Jazz Series at the Old Mill.

For sure I know they will be learning lots of challenging charts and mastering them.  I have a feeling you will be meeting a number of these fine young musicians a couple of years from now on “Jazzology” and of course in many concert venues and on the radio.  This is just a timely reminder and vivid example of one of the very important projects that your donations support – whether you donate during the excitement of fundraising or all year round – you are making dreams possible for the future of jazz.