The Girl Plays Jazz Project is dedicated to the support and promotion of girls and young women in jazz.
Since December 2017 we have run a workshop programme – introducing girls and young women to jazz, funk, blues and world music improvisation, and developing them as jazz musicians.
We had a great introduction to jazz workshop on 10th February and it was brilliant to have the artist Gina Southgate capturing the girls on canvas.
image painted live by Gina Southgate http://www.artistginasouthgate.com
On 10th March we were privileged to be able to collaborate with the amazing Ronnie Scott’s Big Band in a Day Project with a workshop and a performance at the club. We are so very proud of the girls and all they achieved.
Great day celebrating our first birthday with a samba party led by Cyro Zuzi.
Forthcoming workshops:
On 11th May 2019 at St Stephen’s Canonbury, Andy Ruiz Palma and La Bouche Manouche will lead a gypsy jazz workshop – suitable for all instruments but especially good for strings, flutes and clarinets, for girls aged 8 to 16 with at least 2 years experience of playing their instrument.
Our next introduction to jazz improvisation workshop will take place on on 8th June at St Stephen’s Church, Canonbury, for girls aged 8 to 16 with at least 2 years experience of playing their instrument, with another session on 6th July.
In August/September we are planning a workshop in a recording studio – to introduce the girls to how music is recorded, and to give them the opportunity to record a jazz tune. Places are limited so please ask if you are interested.
In September, we are delighted that the celebrated drummer Michele Drees will bring the Michele Drees Jazz Tap Project to Girl Plays Jazz – to host a masterclass for the beginner girls in the art of jazz tap improvisation with a live jazz band – musicians and tap dancers welcome!
https://www.micheledrees.com
In November, we are honoured to have the international, multi-award winning musician – baritone player, arranger, composer, bandleader and educator Issie Barratt to lead a masterclass for the beginner girls. Issie Barratt was recently ranked number 38 in the BBC’s power list of the top 40 most influential women in music today. She is the bandleader of Interchange – a stella line of up of some of the leading musicians on the London jazz scene.
http://www.issiebarratt.co.uk
The cost of our workshops is £35 to pay for the considerable skill and expertise of our 6 piece house band. Free places are always available for those on lower incomes.
Please see our workshops page for full details of all our workshops and how to register.
Have a listen to what our beginners achieve during a workshop with the support of our house band:
Photos: copyright Marcus Duran
