Tavistock College Jazz Band labelled “a credit to the college” following summer concert

TAVISTOCK College musicians were left overwhelmed by the community’s response to their summer concert.

Jazz in the Park became Jazz in the Abbey Chapel when a downpour forced a last-minute change of venue but failed to dampen the students’ enthusiasm.

Head of music Sarah Pappin said: “The concert was about trying to promote links between the college and community and making local people aware of the good work going on.

“There has been a lot of talk about the jazz band so it gave the community and parents the chance to see for themselves.

“The reactions have been quite overwhelming. We’ve had lots of cards, emails and phone calls. I think we underestimated the impact it would have on the community. They are rapidly becoming one of the most recognised school jazz bands in the county.”

One local who enjoyed the concert wrote to the band and told them: "You are all a credit to Tavistock College and a very good advertisement for excellence in education."

The event was also a way of congratulating ‘lead learners’ for their hard work throughout the year, positive attitude and help they gave to other students.

Miss Pappin said it was really nice for them to hear the band because they never usually performed to their peers.

“It gives them something to aspire to and makes them think they can do it. It’s about saying you can,” she added.

Music teacher Alex Jennings formed the band because the department wanted an ensemble in which lots of people could play.

“We wanted to give an opportunity for people who play different instruments to perform music they enjoy,” he explained. “Unlike traditional orchestras which read music, our students stand up and have memorised it and improvise.

“Even though it’s rehearsed it’s different every time and I allocate people solos as we go along so it’s quite exciting.”

The Tavistock College Jazz Band will perform at Kilworthy Farm on September 9 and 10 as part of a four-day festival and will be filmed by the BBC.