comments and letters of support

John Winters

We would like to thank the late John Winters for leaving £237.12 in his will for the Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Shell Jazz Exploration Tour 2007

The Youth Band tour with Joe Locke was a fantastic learning experience for all invlved, and it was a priveledge to share the stage with Joe, Micheal Janisch, Tom MacNiven and Ryan Quigley. Although the tour was relatively short, the knowledge and confidence gained by everyone was substantial. I'm sure the whole group will join me in thanking Tommy and shell UK for making the whole experience possible.

Ross Whyte

What an awesome experience!!

Joe Locke was incredible. To be able to play alongside someone who is held in such high-esteem and internationally recognised as the world's greatest was out of this world.

Michael Janisch was also a player who holds down the rhythm with ease, grace, and prowess. He was brilliant. Obviously Ryan Quigley and Tom McNivan blasted everyone to pieces in such a way that everyone cheered. They were their amazing selfs.

The Youth Orchestra itself did a great job I felt. And Tommy, as always, was brilliant.

Liam Heath

To the Scottish Arts Council:

My name is Alan Benzie and I am fortunate enough to play piano for the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra at the moment. I’m just writing to say how brilliant this band is.

Firstly, to have the opportunity to be playing with other like minded people of my age is fantastic, especially as there aren’t that many opportunities for pianists to be doing that just now. Not only that, but since my first gig with the band, I have gained so much confidence! This is probably due to the fact that we only rehearse on the day of the gig, often with new charts, and, although that could be seen as intimidating, it’s probably the best way to prepare for being a professional jazz musician I can think of. I don’t think there is any other band in Scotland which gives that opportunity.

The fact that everyone in the band has an opportunity to take solos if they wish is also excellent, particularly for relative newcomers to jazz (like myself!).

It is quite simply the best thing that has ever happened to me musically, and to happen to jazz for young people in Scotland. What this band has given me is the opportunity of playing in a fantastic group with great musicians and music, the tips and advice of a great jazz musician (Tommy), and the confidence and drive to get out there and get playing!

I hope it can be supported, as the support it gives young players like me is invaluable.

Yours sincerely,

Alan Benzie

To the Scottish Arts Council:

When the "Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra" was founded over 4 years ago I was studying Classical trumpet at the RSAMD. The only "jazz" experience i was getting at this time was playing in the college 'Big Band" (which was mostly full of classical musicians) and previous experience from the Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland. Until the formation of this band I regarded Jazz as a hobby (although deep down i was longing for more).

Within a year I was asked to be a member of the SNJO. This is a band I regularly went to listen to when i was growing up and my admiration for the band and its musicians was incredible to say the least. So to be asked to play in a band with such high standards was the best feeling in the world. Now after four years I feel I have gained so much experience, all of which is down to Tommy the musicians in the SNJO and Tommy's Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Playing Lead in a section with an "amazing" Youth Band like Tommy's is not an easy job and I strongly believe that without the help and encouragement from Tommy (and the trumpeters in the SNJO) I would not have improved as quickly as i have in such a short space of time. The experiences gained from this group has taught myself and the whole band to be more assertive and be the best musicians we can. Through this, my confidence has strengthened and so has that of each individual member.

To work in a band full of such young and incredible musicians is so inspiring. Tommy treats the musicians the same way he would treat those in his other Jazz Orchestra and this I believe gives them a taste of what the "professional music world" is like. The Band rehearses intensively on the day of the Gig and if we aren't "cutting it" Tommy tells us straight. It is so important to be given the correct information and guidance at such a young age. To be praised and complimented by such an established musician as Tommy Smith is the most amazing feeling and we know his remarks are completely genuine, his honesty is always greatly appreciated by everyone.

I firmly believe that the work Tommy is doing for us young musicians is so invaluable. I know the whole band agrees that if there was no "Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra" we wouldn't have so many talented young jazz musicians in Scotland today. Neither would we be developing into one of Scotland's' top Jazz Orchestra's. We do no have to pay to attend this band, unlike many other youth bands in Scotland. The intensive rehearsals on the day of each concert encourage us to concentrate and perform to a very high level.

Please help Tommy to continue this magnificent work.

Yours faithfully,

Linsey Anne McDonald

To whom it may concern...

We are writing to support the funding application for the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Tommy Smith's Youth Jazz Orchestra is unique, both in its set-up and character. Not only does it provide young players from any background with year-round opportunities they'd otherwise not encounter, but it also provides audiences with fantastic concerts, showcasing the kind of talent Scotland can produce when aspiration, challenge and opportunity are offered without compromise.

Each time we take different friends to a concert, we wonder beforehand if the fact that we are parents of an orchestra member has led us to a slightly rosy view of the vibrancy and quality of the band. But each time, friends - including several musicians and music teachers - are blown away by the experience.

As parents, we see that the orchestra does not operate like other youth orchestras - and there is no doubt that the nature of the band benefits both players and audiences.

Players receive new pieces a short time before a concert and there is only one rehearsal, just before the concert itself. The combination of expectation, challenge and confidence in each individual player expressed in this produces amazing results.

As a group, the young players are - by any standards - tight, lively and on top of everything they tackle. As individual players, they are equally lively in the many opportunities for extended improvising and, again, quality is outstanding.

What is also great for audiences is to see how keen players are to improvise, how they listen to and appreciate what others do with their solos, and how much they obviously enjoy the whole thing. Even without the background of our son's experience, it is obviously a fantastic learning environment. The orchestra provides both group and personal development which seem, to us, unparalleled.

There are other aspects of the orchestra set-up that add to the mix. For example, the choice of venues is probably also important - the TSYJO performs in recognised jazz venues, in "grown-up" slots, and this must add to the sense of professionalism for players. And there is the huge factor of Tommy's own musicianship, experience and insight. Tommy Smith guides the band personally - and, as well as face-to-face coaching and inspiration for players, the consequent ease of relationship and banter between young players and their mentor adds much to the character of concerts!

On a personal note, we have watched our son develop in his jazz playing at a tremendous pace in recent months and there is no doubt that a large part of this has been his membership of the TSYJO. As a pianist, he particularly welcomes the opportunity to work in a large ensemble and to tackle the kind of repertoire TSYJO performs. As one of the younger members of the band, the ability to work and perform regularly with some of the best young jazz musicians, in such a mutually supportive environment, has been inspiring and invaluable to his own sense of drive, confidence and aspiration.

The jazz scene in Scotland has developed in recent times to a point of international respect, where an increasing number of our professionals are, individually and collectively, widely known. Jazz is becoming a Scottish success story and Tommy Smith's contribution to that, on and off-stage, is pivotal. In the last few years, many of those representing Scotland, in the UK and beyond, have found their feet with the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. As Scotland's foremost international jazz figure, Tommy's energy and commitment in supporting, mentoring and showcasing young and emerging musicians have been vital to the current jazz scene and we hope that SAC will support his continued work with TSYJO and, through that, the future of jazz in and for Scotland.

Yours sincerely,

Tricia & Douglas Benzie

To whom it may concern...

I've been playing in Tommy Smith's Youth Jazz Orchestra for nearly 3 years now, and just keep on gaining valuable experience. Tommy is, in my opinion, one of the only musicians really supporting the youth aspect of things and does it with incredible effort and blinding support. He is, in simple words, incredible with us. He remains loyal to all of us and deserves some funding in return in order to help us grow into mature musicians. Lets face it, without Tommy, where would we be? But he does deserve the funding to achieve even higher goals with us, and in order to support his amazing efforts.
So please help support his Youth Jazz Orchestra!
Thanks,
Liam Heath - Trumpet

To whom it may concern...

My name is Rachael Cohen and I'm writing in support of the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

I have been a member of the band for three years, and in that time I have been given opportunities that have boosted not only my confidence as a player, but driven my musical career to a new level. Through Tommy's encouragement I have been pushed to feel and act like a professional player alongside my co-members who I am proud to be working with. I have had the privilege of being picked to play pieces of Tommy's own work and be lead Alto Saxophone for the time that I have been in the band, a position that I take very seriously.

All these wonderful things combined really could not have been possible without Tommy's undeniable enthusiasm for Jazz and bringing it forward for the youth of Scotland. Funding to push this very special band, and bring new players into the limelight, would be such a fantastic thing for everyone involved.

Yours sincerely,
Rachael Cohen.

To whom it may concern...

I am writing in support of Tommy Smith's Youth Jazz Orchestra. Without any of the infrastructure, support and money which other youth organisations take for granted, He has put together a band in which both musicianship and enthusiasm shine. The band is the best in Scotland, possibly the best in Britain and so dedicated are the members that they'll travel from all over the UK to play under Tommy's direction. That it exists under no organisation's wing or umbrella is so remarkable that it's worth restating. As is the fact that it operates on an entirely different level from other youth jazz ensembles.

Among the things they get from this experience is the confidence that they're being helped along their musical path by someone who is absolutely at the top of his profession and respected throughout the world. This is so unusual and valuable that it must be cherished.

As a member of the BBC I have been recording jazz in Scotland, writing about it , making programmes about it, observing it and playing it for almost 30 years. I have never seen another musical phenomenon to match the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra and whatever it needs to retain it and allow it to grow must be provided.

Yours - Dave

Dave Batchelor
Senior Producer, BBC Scotland

To whom it may concern...

The TSYJO is considered to be made from 23 of Scotland’s up and coming young jazz musicians. The ages range from 13-25 and so provided a great environment for young musicians to be inspired by the older members of the band and vice versa. The level and quality of musicianship is to a very high standard throughout the band.

I myself only started playing with the TSYJO in November 2004 but had long since been an onlooker waiting to get in on the action. Since this time I have found the experience both enjoyable and beneficial for my own development. It is good getting the chance to play in a large ensemble at such a high standard, something that some musicians miss out on.

Tommy Smith directs the band. Tommy is a very inspirational to be around. He provides great encouragement and always gives us an opportunity to play. His great reputation gives us all the motivation we need to play the best we can.

My time in the TSYJO has helped me to be more confident with my playing and given me a new perspective from different musicians. It has been a great experience, one which will stand me in good stead for the future.

Adam Jackson
East Kilbride

To whom it may concern...

Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra

I write in support of the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra, having experienced its excellent work as a parent (Calum Gourlay, bass) and a school-teacher (Kim Macari, trumpet). As a regular performing band, this group is a very important development and an excellent addition to the more localized bands and summer courses that have been growing over the last decade or two.

I have been a participant in jazz education (Strathclyde Arts Centre Jazz Band 1986-1999, Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra 1999-2005 and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Jazz Course 1992-2005) and have also written music for all these groups. I am very pleased to have been associated with all of these activities, but the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra operates at a quite different level by performing regularly at recognized jazz venues around and beyond Scotland and tackling challenging contemporary jazz charts.

The link with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and other groups run by Tommy Smith has also proved to be invaluable. A number of young players have been given the opportunity to work in the wholly professional band and a lucky few have had the chance to play with Tommy in small groups. These kinds of opportunities are unique for young jazz musicians in Scotland.

As a teacher and as a parent, I thoroughly recommend that the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra be offered the kind of support that will help it grow and develop.

Yours faithfully,
John C. Gourlay

To whom it may concern...

I am writing in support of the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. I am lucky enough to have been a member since its inception in 2002. As I approach the end of my further Education with a view to becoming a professional musician, I can say the experience and knowledge afforded to me from performing with the band has been indespensible.Tommy gives up his own time to run the band, which extends far beyond the rehearsals and gigs that the public see. All administrative and organisational work is carried out by Tommy in his own time, extra rehearsals are held at house, and if you need advice, help or a friendly ear, Tommy is always happy to help. These activities go above and beyond the role of band leader whichever way you look at it.
As a band we are treated as professionals, and are trusted to act as such. Music will be sent to us in the fortnight before the gig it will be performed at (postage courtesy of Tommy) and we are expected to learn the Job. We will arrive at the venue usually three hours before the gig and rehearse for two hours. If at the end of the rehearsal it's felt by all (the band is treated as democracy) that the new music isn't up to scratch, we wont play it. This quickly teaches the musicians to take pride in their work and put the hours in learning their craft.

As the band is comprised entirely of Students, receiving travelling expenses is vital. Many members take time off part time jobs and turn down other gigs for the band. There may be no gig fee, but the experience gained cannot be priced. When you consider that The National Youth Jazz orchestra of Scotland (NYJOS) is a pay to play band, the generosity of Tommy to put this band together is unparalleled in Scotland.
I was a Member Of NYJOS for six years and played with my university big band when they won the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Big Band competition (Junior Section) 2 years ago, but I can whole heartedly say neither of these groups can get near The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra in terms of professionalism or quality. This is not just my opinion, but the opinion of both musicians who have performed with the groups and jazz fans who have seen them in action.

I would ask that you give as much support as possible to this project, and help to ensure that young jazz musicians in Scotland continue to receive the best opportunity they can to get an insight into the world of being a professional musician.

Yours Sincerely,

Ross Whyte

To whom it may concern...

I am writing in support of the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

As a post-graduate trombone student (RSAMD) aiming to become a professional musician I have gained invaluable experience from playing in the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra over the course of several years. The opportunity to play in a band run by such an experienced and exceptional musician has undoubtedly improved my playing enormously and helped me to become a far more versatile musician. This has in turn increased my confidence and made the prospect of entering the freelance profession far less daunting.

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra has also undoubtedly given a sense of community to young jazz players in Scotland that I believe was previously absent. I personally think that this is due to everyone in the band being passionate about jazz music and the fact that it is independent of any institution. I think that this freedom makes the band truly invaluable to the arts in Scotland. I am also certain that the work ethic of the band is far more inline with professional standards compared to other youth orchestras, which not only increases the quality but gives each member of the band more responsibility and a greater feeling of satisfaction.

I think it is important to take account of the fact that Tommy has personally put a lot of time (unpaid) and effort in to the band, taking on a personal responsibility for the future of jazz in Scotland. I personally think that this is remarkable and I am sure that everyone involved in the band is grateful for what is obviously an unparalleled and selfless gesture. I have no doubt that this is a step forwards and will have a positive effect of the whole Scottish jazz scene for years to come.

I hope that you give as much support as possible to this project and if you are in any doubt of the value of this endeavour come and see the band for yourself.

Yours sincerely,

Michael

To whom it may concern...

Our two sons play with the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Bill, our older son, has been a member of the orchestra since its inception, with John joining about 18 months ago. Both play saxophone and both intend to pursue music as a career – with jazz as their passion. Over the years they have both played in school bands, in jazz orchestras operating at local council level and have been members of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland.

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra however has afforded them the wonderful opportunity to perform at the highest level under the guidance and direction of the world renowned jazz saxophonist Tommy Smith. They have been able, as members of this elite group, to perform at top jazz venues and festivals all over Scotland throughout the calendar year- unlike the NYJOS which caters for young musicians for a very short period of time in the year.

Tommy Smith expects the members to play with a professional attitude during rehearsals and in performance and demands skilled jazz improvisation. Most members are studying music at university and travel from as far as London and Birmingham to play with the orchestra.

My older son, Bill, has now been selected to play in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra because of the professional development afforded to him during his time in The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

To play in the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra does not cost the young people any money. From the start Tommy Smith has funded the project himself providing the young people with travelling expenses without which most could not participate on such a regular basis.

We hope that the Scottish Arts Council can look favourably on this application for funding for The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

From Bill and Laura Fleming

Dear Tommy,

I'm writing to let you know how much we appreciate your Youth Jazz Orchestra. It is a fantastic opportunity for Jack to be part of such a talented and committed group of musicians - and since he joined you, he has spent far more time at home practising and improvising. In fact, he is now thinking seriously about applying for a jazz course when he leaves school. Being part of a group of such excellence and commitment has raised Jack's own aspirations - he always returns from the gigs full of admiration for the other players in the band, with his musical horizons broadened and his desire to improve strengthened. We owe you a real debt of gratitude for all the time and effort you must obviously put in, organising and running such a marvellous group, and making real demands of the players in terms of commitment and hard work. T hank you.

With all good wishes
Jean Davis

To whom it may concern...

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra

I write to support the application for funding for the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

This outstanding orchestra must surely be one of the most exciting youth music groups in Britain and provides a unique opportunity for talented young jazz musicians, regardless of background or means, to rehearse and perform at the highest level on a regular basis in venues around Scotland.

Musicians are admitted to the band on the basis of musical ability alone and, in my experience, have never been asked to contribute to the running costs of the band. On the contrary every effort is made to ensure that travelling expenses are available for all musicians so that even those who hail even from the more remote areas of Scotland can afford to attend rehearsals and concerts.

The fact that so many musicians devote so much personal time to play in the band is a testament to its success as are the numerous rave reviews the band has received following performances around the country. Phrases such as “the best big band I have ever heard” spring to mind!

This band is surely a jewel in the crown of youth music in Scotland and in my view deserves even wider recognition and support. I would heartily urge you to provide all possible support to this group.

Yours faithfully

Dr C Stewart Musk

To whom it may concern...

I am writing in support of the application for help in funding travel expenses for the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

I write both as a parent and as a professional musician.

My son Liam joined the group three years ago at the age of eleven. He was a young boy with a love of jazz but with no experience other than having his weekly trumpet lessons and playing along to Miles Davis cd's. Tommy sent him some parts and invited him along to play. To say that that first gig was the beginning of one of the most important musical experiences in my son's development is not an exaggeration. Here was a group of young people with a love of jazz being guided by an international star of the jazz world, learning their craft in the best possible way ,meeting once a month to rehearse and perform in front of a live paying audience.

As I say the value of this experience to a young aspiring professional musician cannot be overstated. In a real life gig situation it's do or die, you've no chance to go back and have another go. Guided by Tommy, Liam learned from the beginning to hold his own in a band situation, gradually being given more to do as his confidence progressed, and learning the real life situation of living through the gigs which go well and the ones which don't go so well. Tommy Smith has created a unique experience for young people in Britain. Where else is this happening? Most musicians as successful as Tommy Smith are so busy with their careers that they don't even give a nod to educating the young until their own careers are ebbing away and they've become tired and jaded. Yet here you have someone in full flight, willing to dedicate himself to a group of young people ,showing long term support commitment and inspiration. It would be criminal in my mind, if support was NOT given to Tommy to help with travelling expenses. He is a fantastic role model for young people showing what can be achieved with talent and hard work and , in an age of drugs and asbo's, anyone who hasn't seen them should go to a Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Band gig and see what some of our young people can achieve given the right support.

I feel qualified to speak about Tommy Smith and his youth band having written major concertos for James Galway, Nigel Kennedy, Evelyn Glennie, The Philhamonia, The London Philharmonic, The English Chamber Orchestra, The Ballet Rambert, and having been composer in residence with the Scottish Ensemble under artistic director Clio Gould for five years.

As a player I was first flute with the London Metropolitan orchestra for ten years playing on over 100 film scores as well as working as an improvising musician for Jerry Dammers, Sting, Dominic Miller and William Orbit to name a few.

Dave Heath

To whom it may concern...

I am writing in support of an application from the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.
My son Ben would not be studying Jazz at Birmingham Conservatoire now were it not for Tommy Smith and the TSYJO.
Tommy is a huge inspiration to the young people in the Orchestra, he gives very generously his time as well as his financial support to the Orchestra and the resulting performances are a testament to his commitment.
My son has played with NYJOS and there is no comparison. TSYJO gives the band members a regular monthly rehearsal with a gig in a real Jazz venue, the members are treated like professional musicians, they have played at the top national Jazz festivals and they are constantly introduced to new music and taken forward by Tommy.
The sight of the TSYJO members really enjoying themselves at performances and the genuine camaraderie that exists in the band says a lot about the way Tommy runs it.
Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra is a treasure which ensures that young Scottish Jazz talent has a place to develop and should be supported in every way possible.

Hugh Bryden

To whom it may concern...

I am writing in support of the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. This group, formed and run by the most internationally acclaimed jazz musician that Scotland has so far produced, is quite simply the most important development in youth jazz education which has ever taken place in Scotland. Although the education services of several cities in Scotland run youth jazz ensembles of a very high quality, and there is also a National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra operated an entirely different level. Not only is the standard of playing demanded from the participants far higher than in any of these ensembles, it is the only youth ensemble which functions on the model of genuine professional work: the players have only one rehearsal before each performance, they must learn to sight read and perform continually changing compositions from a wide variety of 20th Century styles and periods of jazz, and above all else every single player must improvise!

I wish to note that my observations are those not only of a parent and teacher here in Scotland: I am also a professional performer working internationally, and a professor at both the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. As a guest lecturer in contemporary musical performance idioms, I work regularly at conservatoires and universities such as Julliard New York, Royal Danish Conservatoire, Paris Conservatoire, and Tokyo Conservatoire. Nowhere else have I witnessed such a phenomenon: a youth orchestra run completely independently of the education system of the nation in which it functions, which nonetheless outstrips in quality even the national youth orchestras of that nation!

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra is the spearhead of what can only be described as a Renaissance of jazz in Scotland. It provides a supportive, top quality learning environment, thrilling for its participants, which is unique in the UK. I wish to recommend most strongly that this ensemble be given every support, both financially and in kind, that it is possible to give.

Yours Faithfully

John Kenny A.R.A.M.

To whom it may concern...

I am writing to give my support of the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. I have played in the ensemble since it’s inception during the summer of 2002 as a 17 year old, since which time Tommy has continued to run the band single-handedly and finance entirely out of his own pocket. I have no doubt that this is indeed the foremost youth jazz development ensemble in Scotland and it has been a very important factor in my own development as a (young) musician along with, I am sure, that of everyone else who has played in the band. The benefits of playing alongside some of the best young musicians in the country, whilst under the artistic direction of a musician of Tommy’s calibre, cannot be understated. As far as I am aware, this opportunity is not available (to the same extent) within the jazz idiom anywhere else in Scotland. For 3 years previous to joining the band, I had been a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland (NYJOS). Whilst I enjoyed this time in NYJOS and gained a good deal of valuable musical experience, the ensemble run by Tommy is the next step up: it is far more musically challenging, the general standard of playing is significantly higher and we are treated (and expected to perform) to all extents as professional musicians. And, compared to my time in NYJOS, the performances are far better received by audiences: it is not unusual after our gigs for complete strangers to come up and share with us their appreciation of the performance.

In order to ensure that some of the older members who study down in England (along with those living further a field in Scotland) are able to attend gigs on a regular basis, Tommy has adopted the policy of financing all travel expenses incurred by those in the band. This has been in place since the very first rehearsal, and has been important in keeping many people in the band who otherwise may not be able to afford regular long-distance travel. On top of this, he invests a great deal of his own time and effort in the running of the band, which should not be underestimated since we have a high turn-over of music. Tommy is a very busy man, yet he is still prepared to make these sacrifices for the benefit of jazz education in Scotland.

I highly recommend he be given financial support by any organisation relevant to the development of music and the arts in Scotland.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Campbell