Oxfordshire Youth Big Bands (OYBB) and Oxfordshire Youth Jazz Collective (OYJC)

Information about OYBB I, II, III and OYJC

There are four Oxfordshire Youth Big Bands:

  • OYBB III - grades 3 - 5 approx
  • OYBB II - grades 5 - 6 approx
  • OYBB I - grades 7 - 8 approx
  • OYJC - grade 8+

Our aim is to enthuse and encourage students to play jazz and improvise at all levels. The foundations for this are laid in OYBB III, where students learn the skills to play in a big band and the basics of improvisation. As they move up through the bands, students will play in a wide variety of styles from Ellington to Steely Dan, develop their improvising skills, and take part in regular performances.

Who can join

If you are grade 3+ standard on any of the following instruments we would be happy to welcome you to one of our big bands: saxophone, trumpet/cornet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit.

If you’d like to come along for a free taster session, please get in touch!

When and where

OYJC, Big Bands I and II – Tuesday evenings, 7pm - 9pm

Big Band III – Tuesday evenings, 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Centre for Music
Bayswater Road
Headington
Oxford
OX3 9FF

Costs and membership

  • OYJC, Big Bands I and II - £104 per term (2hr sessions)
  • Big Band III - £52 per term (1hr sessions)

This termly charge is based on 30 sessions being offered across the academic year. The Music Service works on the three-term school year with two invoices per term (six per academic year).

Register now for OYBB I or II

Register now for OYBB III