Lunchtime Concert- Essex Youth Jazz Octet

ESSEX YOUTH JAZZ OCTET
Established in 2021, the Essex Youth Jazz Octet is a dynamic young ensemble led by award winning jazz musician Tom Jiggins.
Bringing together some of the region’s most talented young performers, the octet rehearses weekly, developing a diverse repertoire rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing contemporary influences.
Since its formation, the ensemble has performed at a range of high-profile events across Essex, including the ‘Essex Year of Reading’ and the ‘Essex Year of Numbers’. The group has also become a regular feature at the annual Teachers’ Conference in Chelmsford and has been featured on ITV News, reflecting its growing reputation for musical excellence and vibrant live performance.
Players – Ashley Cook, Daniel Hartin, Gabriel Goddard, Harrison Moore, Mollie Sumner, Oliver Toms, Summer Pateman & Tania
Neethling.

TOM JIGGINS, BAND DIRECTOR
Tom is a multi-award-winning musician and highly experienced teacher based in Colchester, Essex. With over 16 years of teaching
experience, he has guided students of all ages and abilities, many of whom have gone on to study at top music conservatoires and
establish professional careers in music.
Tom began his studies at Colchester Institute, specialising in classical piano and percussion, and graduated with a BA (Hons) in
Music. During this time, he won several awards, including the Cannon Jack Piano Competition Trophy (2013), the Cyril Moles Duet
Competition Trophy (2012 and 2013), and the Ensembles Competition Shield (2012). In 2014, he continued his training at the
prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Percussion.
His studies gave him the opportunity to work with internationally renowned musicians and professors such as Martin Hathaway,
Trevor Tomkins, Malcolm Edmonstone, Malcolm Miles, Carlos Lopez-Real, Stuart Hall, Scott Stroman, Gareth Lockrane, Adriano
Adewale, Barry Green, Robbie Robson, Kurt Elling, and Bobo Stenson.
Alongside his teaching, Tom maintains an active performing career. He has appeared at some of the UK’s most iconic jazz venues and
was a long-standing member of the house trio at ‘Jazz at the Alex’ and a current member of the house trio at Norwich Jazz Club. His
performance work has taken him across the UK and internationally, with tours in Germany, France and Poland.
Tom has extensive experience delivering one-to-one instrumental tuition, with many of his students successfully gaining places at
leading UK music conservatoires. Alongside individual lessons, he teaches group classes and directs small and large ensembles,
including jazz bands, rock bands, orchestras, percussion workshops, and music technology sessions. He works closely with Essex Music Services as both a teacher and workshop leader, and is actively involved with the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra and Young Essex Jazz.

In addition, Tom conducts the Essex Youth Jazz Octet and the Essex Youth Rock Band, helping to inspire and develop the next generation of musicians.