Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra
CYJO
The Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra is again being formed in 2026 and led by the wonderful Lana Law! In partnership with the Christchurch Big Band Festival, this auditioned band of top secondary-school-aged players will take part in the Hanmer band camp and performances at the Christchurch Big Band Festival.
Auditions
Auditions for all players will be by online submissions in July with the band announced and music distributed shortly after.
Rehearsals:
The band camp will be held on 5-7 October at Hanmer Springs with two days of rehearsals led by Lana Law with top assisting tutors Cameron Pearce and Joe McCallum culminating in a performance on the final day. An additional rehearsal will be held on Monday 20th October. All band members must be available to attend the band camp and the rehearsal.
Performances
Performances will include 7th October in Hanmer, and performances over Labour weekend as part of the Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival. All band members must be available to attend all performances.
Cost
The cost to successful participants of the band camp will be approximately $250. The fee covers transport to/from and around Hanmer, accommodation, food and one entry to the Hot Pools. This project is made possible by the generous funding from the Christchurch Big Band Festival and sponsorship from Amuri Community Arts Council.
Applications
Auditions are by online submission for all players and are now open! The attached google drive folder includes the sheet music for “Down Basie Street” and a blues in Bb backing track and lead sheet.
Students need to record themselves playing their preferred part of “Down Basie Street” and a two chorus improvised solo over the Blues in Bb using the MP3 as a backing track and add your recordings to this file request dropbox link (make sure your file name has your own name in it!)
Contact:
Lana Law 021 566 724 lana@bigbandfest.org.nz
Rachel McCaffery (camp mum) rachel@bigbandfest.org.nz
Judith Bell 027 2322912 judith@bigbandfest.org.nz
Important Dates
29th June
Auditions Open Monday 29th June
24th July
Auditions Close Friday 24th July
5th – 7th October
Hanmer Springs Camp and performance
19th October
Rehearsal Monday 19th October
21st October
A Rolling Stone – Performance Wednesday (Opening event)
22nd October
Fat Eddie’s Performance Thursday night with AGBB (Christchurch Big Band Festival)
26th October
Big Band Picnic at the Botanic Gardens (Christchurch Big Band Festival)
