Supporting young jazz musicians
Young jazz musicians and alumni from World Heart Beat have come together online during lockdown, to produce two classic jazz music videos (below) as part of the ZEDRA Talent Development – Jazz Programme. This music making project, funded by ZEDRA — the global active wealth, corporate and fund solutions specialist — keeps the academy’s young people learning music together, even though they were apart.
Developing talent & opportunity
The programme reflects the aim of both organisations — to provide opportunities and transform young lives, many of whom live in challenging circumstances. With exemplary jazz programmes and top musicians such as Tony Kofi and Byron Wallen teaching at the academy, World Heart Beat has a strong affinity with jazz.
The chosen standards ‘We’ll Be Together Again’ has been recorded by many jazz greats including Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. The second, ‘One for Daddy O’ was written and recorded by the late, great saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. Both were arranged by alumnus Ayo Vincent and have been mixed by two-time Grammy Award winner, Cameron Craig.
Developing new skills
Working on the music videos remotely provided an opportunity to develop skills, creativity and a sense of purpose for the young musicians whilst isolated at home. They were able to enjoy the familiarity of working with their World Heart Beat ‘family’ as well as achieving a sense of achievement and pride in their finished work.
ZEDRA’s talent development programme supports our jazz students
ZEDRA’s partnership funding ensures the jazz students receive tuition from exceptional musicians, attend masterclasses from visiting artists, play in regular combo and ensemble sessions and perform in a wide variety of venues. The music videos help raise awareness of the charity’s Global Giving BE THERE campaign to support young people by providing music-making opportunities online.
Support us…
Please help us to raise the money that will enable us to give music lessons to children and young people living in challenging circumstances during this coronavirus crisis. We so appreciate your support – every penny makes a difference. Please donate through our BE THERE CAMPAIGN on GlobalGiving.