The seventh in this series for IJO, Save The Children are an outstanding charity that the band is proud to support in this wonderful and quintessential Summer (actual weather notwithstanding) music picnic. The good folks of Little Manor in Burghfield once again throw open their doors to host this wonderful event with a programme of old favourite tunes and songs from IJO. Tickets available from Save The Children Click here for the poster with full details of the event and how to get tickets
IJO are thrilled to present an evening of music from the big-band and swing song book at The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke. Featuring guest vocalists singing your favourite songs, backed up by the unmistakable sound of IJO it promises to be an evening to get you tapping your feet and humming along. Click HERE for the poster.
Tickets on sale from 1st of July from the Haymarket Box Office on 01256 844244 or by emailing box.office@anvilarts.org.uk
We are delighted to be playing for the Surrey Swing Dance Society at their end of year dance extravaganza. Fun "ice-breaker" LindyHop, Lindy-Hop dance cabaret, and dancing to the great sounds of IJO. Swing, Jive, Ballroom and Latin. What a great way to round off 2009. The fun starts at 8pm and goes on unilt midnight Tickets on sale now, £15 each. Click here for the poster with full details
Dates for IJO events in 2009 have been released. Extra dates may be added but get the latest information on our IJO Concerts Page or click here to be taken to the page
Pianist, singer and tutor Pete Churchill joined the band in November to lead a masterclass and work through some of the IJO repertoire. As a rhythm player, Pete worked the back-line especially hard (but gave everyone a good workout!) and the band were treated to some of Pete's superb piano playing and singing. Pete is in demand as a session player, composer and educator so it was a treat to be able to have a whole day with him to polish some of our numbers. Find out more about Pete's work at www.petechurchill.co.uk
IJO band leader Simon Ward (left) with Pete Churchill at the masterclass
IJO were featured in a BBC Radio 3 broadcast in October celebrating music making across the country. Play To The Nation, presented by Petroc Trelawny featured bands, choirs and orchestras from across Great Britain. Our performance of 'When You're Smiling' recorded by bassist John Feaver at the Save the Children concert earlier this year was played and our band leader Simon Ward interviewed. The track features a tenor sax solo by Tim 'Toots' Leonard who got a mention but the whole band were delighted to have been chosen and the track sounded especially good on the 'wireless'!
Innovations Jazz Orchestra was formed in 2000 and currently consists of 25 regular musicians who enjoy playing big band, swing and jazz music. The sound of the band in full swing is something to behold - we hope you will be able to come to one of our events to listen for yourself.
Band leader Simon Ward's musical upbringing was steeped in the jazz greats - Sinatra, Basie, Ellington, Fitzgerald and the love of this golden era of music is shared amongst all the band members. Innovations Jazz Orchestra was formed to capture the very best of this genre of music whilst taking a broad minded approach to the repertoire to include not only some of the greats, but also tunes that perhaps don't get heard too often in big band music. The addition of a flute section offers a great versatility to the band's sound - at full pelt, the full sound of the woodwind is a perfect contrast to the strength of the brass whilst in the softer numbers, the flutes add a wonderful lyrical dimension to the sound.
Since it's formation, over 100 different musicians have played with IJO either as guests, stand-ins or at rehearsals. IJO welcomes musicians who would like to come and 'have a blow' with the band for an evening - keep an eye on the site for any current vacancies in IJO.
IJO is just about full at the moment but we're always interested to hear from musicians in the area who are keen to play - (another flute would be lovely) Do contact us if you play woodwind, brass or if the rhythm section's your thing. We welcome musicians who fancy an evening playing with the band - just contact our musical director Simon Ward through the hire/contact page of this site. We look forward to hearing from you.
IJO is available for hire, either as a full orchestra, or in smaller combinations, ranging from a jazz-trio to a jazz-sextet.
Click here for details about hiring the orchestra.
We put on a number of regular concert performances each year. Click here for further details of our future concerts and to see our "Performance Archive"
If you can't wait for our next performance, Click Here to hear some clips from the band recorded "live" at one of our events.
The orchestra is a full member of Making Music and enjoys many benefits from this worthy organisation, such as £5 million of public liability insurance through their block insurance scheme.
We are delighted to be playing for the Surrey Swing Dance Society at their end of year dance extravaganza. Fun "ice-breaker" LindyHop, Lindy-Hop dance cabaret, and dancing to the great sounds of IJO. Swing, Jive, Ballroom and Latin. What a great way to round off 2009. The fun starts at 8pm and goes on unilt midnight
IJO were featured in a BBC Radio 3 broadcast in October celebrating music making across the country. Play To The Nation, presented by Petroc Trelawny featured bands, choirs and orchestras from across Great Britain. Our performance of 'When You're Smiling' recorded by bassist John Feaver at the Save the Children concert earlier this year was played and our band leader Simon Ward interviewed. The track features a tenor sax solo by Tim 'Toots' Leonard who got a mention but the whole band were delighted to have been chosen and the track sounded especially good on the 'wireless'! 
