From Louise Raymond, Exeter 383578, November 21, 2008

DEVON Music Service's Jazz Orchestra had the prestigious honour of playing at last week's School Proms concert, at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

This accolade follows the recent award from the National Music Council for the work the service has done with the orchestra.

Executive Member for Devon County Council's Children and Young People's Services, Cllr John Smith, said: "This is a superb achievement for Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra and Devon Music Service, who have worked incredibly hard on reaching this standard."

The talented group of young musicians from all over Devon played at the proms concert, supported by Music for Youth, which takes place at the Royal Albert Hall. The invitation to the event followed DYJO being placed Highly Commended at the Music for Youth Festival.

The group gave a performance of John Coltrane's classic 'Moment's Notice' and 'Chick on the Grill' - a Latin instrumental by Victor Lopez.

Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra Manager Brian Moore said: "I'd like to thank all the young performers who took part in the Proms concert last week. They were simply outstanding, both in their professionalism in the gig, and their attitude throughout.

"Every member of this orchestra is a credit to Devon, their parents, and to their school, and they really have been a pleasure to work with."

DYJO Drummer James Morrison from Chudleigh said: "I was lucky enough to perform with two groups on the final evening of

the school's prom this year. After my previous performance there two years ago, I was greatly excited about the event and knew that again it would stand as a landmark in my musical journey.

"I was so pleased this time to be playing with DYJO as well as Kagemusha

Taiko, as it offered me the opportunity to play -on one of the world's

most famous stages - with some of Devon's hottest musical talent,

supporting them by providing a base for the spectacular soloists to work

in front of an audience of 5,500 people -awesome! It again

re-iterated to me how lucky I am to be part of these fabulous groups."

The Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra comprises: Daisy Megee Teign Valley; Dan Barker-Bey, Exmouth; Greg Cain, Topsham; Sam Bazzard, Barnstaple; Helena Quinn, Exeter; Joel Mills, Barnstaple; Cheryl Pughe, Netwon Abbot; Corben Lee, Exeter; Sam Oakley, Torquay; Matt Pauley, Crediton; Alex Wesson, Exeter; Andy Howell, Ivybridge; Joe Harker, Ivybridge; Chris McMurran, South Brent; James Beer, Exeter; James Morrison, Chudleigh; Patrick Friel, Exeter; Tim Carter, Exeter; Ben Lowman, Honiton; Suzi Collins, Torquay.

Debbie Carter from Exeter, mother of Tim Carter, who played guitar for the orchestra said: "How can you put into words something so professional and fun as the Schools Prom? The whole experience was geared towards inspiring young people, from the tiny torches we were given to shine at key moments to the massed choir of 500 young people who sat motionless, and I mean, MOTIONLESS for the whole concert-except, of course, when they were performing.

"The evening was a delightful mix of exquisite chamber choir music, exciting Taiko drumming, soothing string pieces and not forgetting our own amazing jazz band. It would be impossible to come away from that night and not have high hopes for the next generation."

The Music Service is currently developing a jazz strategy for the county called Devon Jazz Pathways in collaboration with South West Music School, and is also working in partnership with Torbay Council and South West Music School to present National Youth Jazz Collective workshops led by internationally acclaimed jazz musicians: Mark Lockheart, Nic France, Alec Dankworth, Steve Waterman, Mark Donlon and Liam Noble.

Ends

PHOTO CAPTIONS: 1. Tim Carter from Exeter performing a guitar solo in 'Moment's Notice' at the School Proms 2008.

2. The Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Note to News Eds: 
DYJO is run by Devon County Council's Music Service, alongside six other youth ensembles spanning a range of musical styles. For more information, please see the website www.devon.gov.uk/musicservice or email devonmusicservice@devon.gov.uk

Councillor John Smith is available on 01626 772223.

Brian Moore Manager at Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra on 01392 875283. Mobile: 07971 429813. e-mail: dyjo@talktalk.net