Jazz masterclass a hit with local students

Saturday’s musical masterclass with Ronnie Scott’s orchestral leader Pete Long and renowned saxophonist Rachael Cohen was a huge hit with local students and music enthusiasts.

Over 20 students from Westside and Bayside schools, alongside local musicians gathered in John Mackintosh hall on Saturday morning to take part in a ‘Big Band In A Day’ masterclass.

Students brought along their instruments and world-renowned big band leader Mr Long created a big band arrangement with the participants. Over the two hour session students learnt a melody, culminating in a synchronised performance at the end of the masterclass.

“The ‘Big Band In A Day’ masterclass that is taught regularly in the world famous Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London’s Soho went down a storm in Gibraltar with initially timid students having their confidence boosted to see them performing spirited solos by the end of the session,” said a statement from organisers.

Cathy Popham whose daughter Sarah attended the masterclass to play trumpet said: “It has been a fantastic event, a real one-off opportunity for the kids to learn from such talented musicians. I can see Sarah’s confidence has been boosted. Many thanks to the organisers and the Ministry of Culture for making it possible.”

Masterclass organisers surprised students by offering them the chance to attend the Jazz Festival in St Michael’s Cave for free to see Pete Long and Rachael Cohen perform alongside the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra. The event was an astounding sell-out success.

Pic by Mark Galliano Photography