Sutton Grammar Jazz Orchestra and Guests

Thursday, 20th Jul 2017

Join us for a stunning evening of jazz presented by the young talent of Sutton Grammar School plus special guests vocalist Shanice Steele and trumpeter Nick Smith!

UNDER 16s admitted FREE - Please let us know how many children will be attending in the Comments Box section of the booking form. 

The Sutton Grammar Jazz Orchestra was founded in 2007 by Director of Music, Jessica Taylor. From rather humble beginnings, the group has gone from strength to strength. What started as a small group of musicians has grown to a nearly thirty-strong orchestra that plays both cohesively and stylishly.

With students from years 7 – 13 and outstanding talent from a range of abilities from grade 2 up to diploma level and beyond, the Jazz Orchestra have always been a highlight of every school concert.

We perform a range of music from the most traditional of jazz to ‘jazzy’ arrangements of very recent pop music.

We aim to dazzle and entertain and this performance promises to be our best to date!

Shanice Steele

Shanice Steele is a former student of the internationally renowned BRIT school. She is an exceptionally talented singer with a unique soulful style. Her energy and stage presence as well as her powerful vocal interpretation make her performances particularly impressive. She has performed at many high profile venues both in the UK and internationally. She has been part of the West End show Thriller Live and the Thriller Live tours both nationally and internationally singing lead female. She has worked alongside leading artists including Marlon Roudette and Mo Pleasure. Shanice continues to work as both a performer and recording artist. We are really honoured that Shanice is joining us for this performance as a guest soloist.

Nick Smith

Nick Smith is a former member of the Sutton Grammar Jazz Orchestra and a versatile and exceptional trumpeter who is proficient in many styles of music.

He started playing the trumpet aged seven and played principal trumpet in the National Children's Orchestra 2011-12, with which he performed in Westminster Hall for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Luncheon. In 2015, he was a member of NYO, with which he played at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms. Nick was the principal trumpet of Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra 2015-16, with which he toured Europe and performed at the Hideaway Jazz Club. Since starting at Cambridge University in 2016, he has played principal trumpet in Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra, performing at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho and the Cambridge Jazz Festival alongside saxophonist Soweto Kinch. We are really excited to welcome Nick back as one of our guest soloists.