The multi-award winning Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra was formed in 1976 by the Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council. Essentially a training ground for young musicians, the Orchestra aims to develop the skills of its members through the performance of big band music from the 1930s to the 1990s. The repertoire is extensive and features music from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Les Brown, Ted Heath, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and many others. In addition it also features original works composed especially for the Orchestra.
The Orchestra has worked with many of the world’s top musicians including Maynard Ferguson, James Morrison, Bobby Shew, Marion Montgomery, Salena Jones, Georgie Fame, Don Lusher, Kenny Baker, Tommy Whittle, Buddy Childers, Elaine Delmar, Geoff Love, Bill Watrous, Bill Perkins, Conte Candoli, Joe Newman, Phil Wilson, Don Rader, Jiggs Whigham, Alan Price.
Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra chooses to play electronic equipment from the range of products by Peavey. Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra endorses Zildjian cymbals The brass section of WYJO use Marcinkiewicz mouthpieces. The brass section and saxophone section play Yamaha instruments exclusively.
For further information on the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra please visit their website:-
http://www.wiganjazzclub.co.uk/WYJO.htm(External Link)
