Joining FAQ

How do I join?

Come along to our rehearsal workshops and sit in! There’s no audition.

When you first come you must bring with you a completed registration form, together with a passport sized photo of yourself. You can do this in advance - follow this link, print off the form, complete it and bring it with you. Hand it to an adult member of the NYJO Cockpit Crew who will ensure that, for safety, your registration details and photograph are securely logged and filed. They will then introduce you to the Music Director (MD).

All new attendees should make themselves known to the Music Director taking the rehearsal – and, if you can, phone the NYJO office (020 8863 2717) or e-mail info@nyjo.org.uk to let us know to expect you during the week before.

Is there a register?

Yes – near the entrance. You must sign in on arrival – this is important for Health and Safety and in case of emergencies such as fire. If your name’s not there, just write it in – we know there are new members on a weekly basis.

Where and when do workshop rehearsals take place?

Every Saturday morning* at
The Cockpit Theatre
Gateforth Street, off Church Street, off Lisson Grove.
London
NW8 8EH

Click here for map

NYJO 2 runs from 10.00 – 13.00
NYJO 1 runs from 10.30 – 14.00

The singers workshop runs from 10.30 – 14.00

*Check the website every week, sometimes workshops will be held elsewhere.

How much does it cost?

There is no charge for NYJO 1 or NYJO 2. Check the Musicians Benevolent fund website www.mbf.org.uk for useful information about financial help with costs of playing and travel

Is there an age limit?

There’s no minimum age but the maximum age for NYJO 1 and NYJO 2 is 25 years old.

What standard am I expected to be?

Playing jazz calls for skills not generally covered in classical training. Nevertheless, provided you have a decent level of sight-reading and also some jazz experience, you’ll probably be ready to rehearse with NYJO2.

Many NYJO2 players use – and we would strongly recommend - the ABRSM Jazz syllabus (check www.abrsm.org) and its Jazz grade exams or the Trinity-Guildhall Jazz syllabus (check www.trinitycollege.co.uk) and its exams.

Jazz grade exams, while not the be-all and end-all, are a useful way of improving your jazz improvisation and you’ll find this excellent preparation for Jazz performance and participating in NYJO. If you haven’t yet achieved this standard, you’re welcome to play in NYJO 2 – you’ll find, with regular attendance, you’ll improve enormously.

Most players attend NYJO2 initially, moving up to NYJO1 later as they progress.

In NYJO1, an excellent standard of sight-reading is required, especially since, if you play gigs with the band, you’ll be sight-reading the majority of a challenging pad to instant performance standard! Almost all players have achieved a standard well beyond ABRSM/Trinity-Guildhall Grade 8, and many are studying for jazz degrees. You certainly don’t have to be studying music full-time (recent ranks have included those studying anything from Chemistry to Classics, dance college students, plenty of members still studying A-Levels and GCSEs and quite a few band members who have long since left education) – if your reading and your jazz ability is first-rate, you are welcome to come to NYJO1.

If you’d like advice about how your current skill level fits in, feel free to e-mail us at info@nyjo.org.uk or send us a link to a YouTube video of yourself playing. See the main ‘Join NYJO’ page for more details.

How many bands are there?

There are 2 bands – NYJO 1 and NYJO 2 – also a singers’ workshop.

Which band will I be placed in when I join?

Most players start in NYJO 2, which is predominantly a training band for NYJO 1. As players develop as musicians, a number progress to NYJO 1 - the Music Directors will advise when you are ready to take that step.

If I’m a singer, will I be able to sing at a rehearsal?

New singers will join the singers’ workshop run by our vocal coach, covering everything from microphone technique to repertoire and reading to jazz interpretation. Singers rehearse several numbers with NYJO1 at each rehearsal, allowing each individual singer to have the opportunity to sing with the band every week.

Can I still attend if I play clarinet or flute?

Flautists are welcome. Clarinettists need to be primarily saxophonists, but should bring their clarinet as some charts require it as a double, and there are several clarinet features in the NYJO pad. We also have a baritone sax, which is available for rehearsals – if you wish to try it, just bring your own mouthpiece.

As a drummer, will I need to bring my own kit?

No. We have our own drum kits – you may wish to bring your own sticks and/or pedals and cymbals too.

Do guitarists have to bring their own amps?

We have our own amps, but you are very welcome to bring your own.

If I am a double bass player or keyboard player will I be expected to bring my own instrument?

No, we have a double bass and keyboard available. Bassists may, however, wish to bring a bass guitar to use for funk and more modern repertoire.

Is there a refreshment break?

Yes, usually a 20-minute break. Soft drinks, coffee and sandwiches are available from the many Church Street cafes

Does NYJO stop during the holidays?

No, NYJO runs right throughout the year. However, in special circumstances (for example, a NYJO concert away from London on Saturday), only one band may be running and we generally take a week off around the Christmas period. If there are Saturdays on which there is no rehearsal, players are advised in advance and those not in attendance will receive notice via e-mail. Please check the NYJO website regularly for late news.

When can I start?

Any Saturday you wish – just turn up. Come this Saturday if you like (and ideally ring us on 0208 863 2717 or e-mail info@nyjo.org.uk and let us know so we can welcome you.)

If I am unable to stay for the full session can I leave early?

If you are in NYJO 2, yes, but please let us know. We recognise some players come directly from Saturday morning music lessons and others may attend Music College junior departments or simply have other appointments.

NYJO1 requires a serious level of commitment, though there is some flexibility – discuss with the MD.

If I struggle with the music will I get assistance?

A number of incredibly experienced players play with NYJO, and sitting next to people who know what they’re doing is one of the best ways of learning to sight-read and to play big band jazz. On top of that, each band is rehearsed by one of our experienced Music Directors – all excellent professional players in their own right, and also very used to tutoring. Just ask if you need a hand – no one will be judging you.

What happens at the beginning and end of the session?

Big bands need a lot of equipment, and it all needs setting up – so the rehearsals usually get underway once stands and amps have been set up. The same process happens in reverse at the rehearsal’s end, as the Cockpit Theatre needs to be left the way the band found it – so taking care of your own stand and pad is obviously appreciated.

As a member of the Cockpit Crew or an MD usually stays in the room, you don’t need to be afraid of leaving your instrument out during the break, but remember you are responsible for your own instruments and property – neither NYJO nor the Cockpit accepts any liability for loss, damage or theft. Specialist insurance is available through the Musicians Union (www.musiciansunion.org.uk)

Does it matter if I don’t attend regularly?

While we appreciate that players who live further away may not be able to journey halfway across the country every Saturday morning, you’ll get the most from NYJO if you attend as often as you can. NYJO is fantastic practice both for big band sight-reading and for getting to grips with a challenging pad – so the more you can come, the more you’ll find yourself progressing as a musician. Nonetheless, if you can only come during the holidays you are very welcome to come along and we hope it inspires you to come down more often.

What’s it like being in NYJO?

NYJO is friendly and constantly open to welcoming new members, and playing next to someone every week is a sure-fire way of getting to know them. The entire band can often be found having a late breakfast and a chat in the local cafe…

Furthermore, NYJO is committed to equal opportunities and zero tolerance to bullying. Download our equal opportunities statement here

Will I be offered the opportunity to play in concerts/gigs?

 NYJO 2 do several charity concerts a year, in which all rehearsal attendees are welcome to play with the band, and NYJO1 play very regularly at venues throughout the country as well. Music Directors arrange concert personnel based on their ability and availability, and every year around 200 musicians will appear with NYJO 1 or NYJO 2. Deputies are sometimes required, and so occasionally NYJO 2 players will dep in NYJO 1 concerts.

I have a physical disability. How accessible is the rehearsal venue?

Rehearsals are on the ground floor which can be accessed from either the main entrance or via the small car park at the rear. There are also disabled toilets. If you have specific requirements please phone the NYJO office in advance on 020 8863 2717 – we may be able to help, and we have made provision for those with both physical disabilities and sight impairments in the past.

Download our disability statement here

If you have asthma or a severe allergy you should advise the MD. We cannot guarantee to have a First Aider on site at each rehearsal – if you need medication for your condition, please make sure you have your Epipen or inhaler with you.

For more information see www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

If a parent wants to accompany me will they be able to stay and watch?

Yes. Parents/carers are welcome to stay, as well as any siblings who are not players.  There are seating areas to listen to the rehearsals, read, or catch up with work on laptops. 

We strongly advise NOT to bring babies or the very young though – it’s loud and hectic!.

If my parent wishes to leave and collect me following the rehearsal will I be supervised?

Parents/carers of younger players often leave them at The Cockpit, and whilst all reasonable efforts are made to supervise, we do expect that players should in their parent’s/carer’s opinion have reached such maturity which allows them to cope with a level of freedom.  Players often visit the local market during the refreshment break.

If you do not believe you are ready for this level of freedom, then a parent/carer should remain in attendance.

What is the nearest station?

Marylebone (Bakerloo line and National Rail) and Edgware Road (Circle and District lines). Edgware Road is approximately a 15 min walk and Marylebone is just 10 minutes away from the Cockpit. Both stations can be reached easily on the tube from National Rail at Euston, King’s Cross St Pancras, Paddington and Waterloo, where players coming from outside London often arrive.

Additionally, Marylebone Road, Lisson Grove and Edgware Road have numerous bus routes – see www.tfl.gov.uk

Is parking available?

The Cockpit Theatre has its own car park but this offers limited parking to those transporting heavy equipment. A Pay and Display car park which charges £10.00 is also nearby, or free parking is available in Lisson Grove 10mins away.

What is there in the area?

Several cafes are very close by for snacks at break (or a late breakfast), and the Cockpit Theatre is right next to the busy, eclectic and culturally diverse Church Street Saturday market, offering anything from groceries to an outfit for a night out. The locals have become somewhat accustomed to the big band jazz floating from the Cockpit Theatre from 10am onwards!

An ATM machine can be found at the local Tesco Metro. Additionally, Lords Cricket Ground, Baker Street, Madame Tussauds, Hyde Park and Regents Park are within walking distance, and Oxford Street is a short bus ride away.