On the 27th January 2024, the Music department hosted a ‘Jazz and Curry’ evening for the first time in 2 decades. We started the night off with Big Band, one of the three BGS Jazz Groups, as they played 5 pieces by a vast array of composers, like Charles Mingus and Fats Waller, with improvisational solos being seen throughout each piece by all the different instruments within the band. After Big Band’s first set finished, Junior Jazz went on stage to play their repertoire of many pieces as they impressed the crowd with their immense talent and superb improvisation abilities. Following the Junior Jazz group, we took a break as the guests and players sat down to eat their curry from the local curry house, The Jasmine, who were kind enough to provide a full buffet of Indian-based food. Whilst everyone was eating, a few players decided to play a set of more Jazz pieces to accompany the delicious assortment of food. After the break finished, it was time for the last of the three BGS Jazz Groups to play their pieces. The Improv Group played three pieces, showing not only their talent but their tremendous efforts as they played their pieces flawlessly, impressing not only the guests but everyone watching. To finish the night, Big Band played another set as they played the pieces masterfully, concluding a magnificent night of jazz with finesse.

Ethan Abbate, Year 12

Well done to all of our performers on this evening, and a huge thank you to Mr Laing for preparing the items with the bands. What a treat and I hope that we can make this a biannual thing!

Mrs Goddard, Head of Music