Live at the Wardrobe is a summer event hosted by Artforms, the music and arts service for Leeds, working with children, young people, families and schools. Bands from over a dozen schools in the area participated in the performances which took place on Thursday 3rd July 2025 at the Wardrobe, the iconic Leeds venue that is a stone’s throw from Leeds Conservatoire. Our LJC Jazz Band which rehearses on Saturday mornings accepted the invitation to play two tunes to close off the night.
To see secondary school pupils and student bands play a wide variety of music is both exciting and inspiring. Over the span of two hours it was as if the audience were skipping radio stations every few songs, going from straightforward pop covers and rock classics to stringed arrangements of violins and cellos, acapella singers, and loud heavy metal guitar solos! The highlight of the night was the original music written for GCSE Music coursework and exams being creatively adapted to suit this external performance.
The LJC Jazz Band played stylistically contrasting jazz standards Summertime by George Gershwin and Sunny by Bobby Hebb. Summertime had an easy-going groove which allowed the instrumental intro to blend smoothly with the entry of the vocals in the verses, followed by a short and succinct piano solo accompanied by the guitar. Sunny was inspired by the Cyrille Aimee version which had an upbeat feel to it and an extended solo section. Our version included a key change as well as sharing solos between instruments. The feedback from the sold-out show with tutors, friends and family was nothing but impressive and encouraging.
Live performances offer such important experiences for up-and-coming young musicians, and it is worth noting that all the work that goes on behind the scenes is vital to ensure the best outcome on stage, from the individual practice, band rehearsals and social communication skills involved in the planning to the set up and soundcheck on the day of the show. A huge well done to all performers and big thanks to the organisers and the audience – what a great night!
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If you would like to know more about opportunities for young people in music at Leeds Junior Conservatoire please contact us at [email protected]. We have a wide range of entry points from beginner through to advanced.
