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IntroductionOnce again the Awards were formally presented by LESLIE EAST, chair of the Jazz Committee of the Musicians’ Company. We are grateful for the support of the Company and indeed to Trinity Laban Conservatoire for hosting this year’s event and making it possible for the Trinity Laban Contemporary Jazz Ensemble under director Mark Lockheart to perform a scintillating programme of music by UK composers as part of our celebrations. This is the 11th year we have made these Awards. Sad to say it is the first time we have not received any submissions from Scotland. One thing which hasn’t changed over the years is the extent to which successful jazz education within a Hub or music service depends on the dedication, industry and inspiration of a few individuals. One of our Awards this year recognises the achievements of one such! One of the more pleasing features of this year’s submissions is the evidence of collaboration between Hubs and music services in the South Yorkshire region, between Cumbria and Lancashire, and between Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. My Awards Panel colleagues (Andrea Vicari, Dr Catherine Tackley, Bill Martin and Richard Michael) and I continue to dedicate this Awards scheme to the memory of Will Michael who died tragically early in 2008. Will was a respected and highly successful educator on both local and national stages. Ivor Widdison, Chair, Will Michael Jazz Education Awards Panel. |
