Jazz music is more often connected with the older generation, but youngsters at Wanstead High School are getting in the swing.

The pupils at the Redbridge Lane West school in Wanstead took part in a series of workshops organised by Jazz FM.

It consisted of learning about jazz music and dance and how it is relevant to today's contemporary music scene.

The programme, which is sponsored by Nestle, taught pupils about the historical, cultural and social influences of Jazz and how it began.

They enjoyed a lecture and a concert presented by the Jazz FM quartet, followed by the dance and music workshops.

Students learnt about improvisation techniques, and then watched a performance by dance duo Christiana and Jerome, otherwise known as Jazzcotech.

Youngsters attended a lecture and concert on the history of development of Jazz music and about 120 of them from years seven to 13 performed for parents in a spectacular evening concert in the school's theatre. It featured a jazz music and dance routine

Both pupils and parents said it was a brilliant evening and a great opportunity to learn about jazz.

Teacher Roy Williams said: This is an excellent example of how a school can raise its standards by working with professionals, and produce an evening's enjoyment at the same time.

"We would like to thank Nestle and Jazz FM for the opportunity. It will help us in our work to progress from Arts Mark Silver to Gold in the next two years.

It will also give us more scope to promote Wanstead High School as a school of excellence in performing arts.

October 23, 2001 10:30