ON day two of the Brassed On Festival 2013, the Swingbrass cabaret evening of Big-Band music and jazz at Clements Hall in Nunthorpe Road, York, will feature the York Big Band Initiative under the baton of York musician Ian Chalk on June 28 at 8pm.

Run by York Music Service, the York Big Band Initiative is a modern, adult big band for developing musicians and has a strong brass line up of trumpets, trombones and saxophones.

Jazz trumpet virtuoso Ian Chalk, who in another life is the trumpet player in York party band Huge, will conclude the event with a laid-back, late-night jazz set with friends. CHARLES HUTCHINSON catches up with Ian as he prepares for next week’s blow-out.


When did you set up the York Big Band Initiative, Ian?

“About 18 months ago. The aim is to allow developing adult musicians the chance to learn about and play big band music of many different styles and have fun along the way.”


What are the qualifications to join?

“Anyone who would like more information, or to sign up, should go to yorkmusicservice.co.uk and fill out the online application. Qualifications are to play an appropriate instrument and play at least at a grade four level. Most importantly you need to want to learn and have fun.”


When, where and how often does this Big Band meet?

“Rehearsals are on Monday evenings during term time at 6:30pm at Canon Lee School, and we aim to play publicly every couple of months to let the public share in the music we’ve been working on.”


What is the present line-up and what are the plans for expansion?

“The band is made up of five trumpet players, three trombones, six saxophones, one clarinet, bass and drums.

“The aim is to have sufficient number of people to have two bands, one at ‘entry level’, where less experienced musicians can get their first taste of this style of music, and then a ‘progressive level’ for those where we can play more advanced material.

“We’re also looking to record an album for public consumption in the next few months.”


What will feature in the Swingbrass programme on June 28?

“We’re playing an hour’s set of music in different styles – swing, Latin American, funk, ballads – with some tunes people will know, such as Moondance, Sir Duke and Chicago, and some they won’t, including original compositions.”


What draws you to brass music, Ian, and what does it mean to you, here in the home of brass, Yorkshire?

“I began playing trumpet at primary school and it has filled my life ever since. Brass is among the most versatile of all instrument types and can be found in music ranging from classic brass bands, orchestras, rock and pop. Everywhere, in fact. If you play a brass instrument, every day is different.”


What is your favourite big-band/brass composition?

“Difficult question. My favourite big band ever is probably the Count Basie Orchestra of the 1960s as they were so tight as a band but swung like crazy! Their composition Whirly Bird is a great example of this.”


What does the Brassed On Festival bring to York?

“It brings recognition of the importance of brass music to Yorkshire and encourages the people of York to learn a brass instrument.

“Learning to play a brass instrument is a wonderful social activity where you can meet new people and have enormous fun creating music and helping children with their social, educational and emotional development. “York has two wonderful centres for brass band music in the Shepherd Group and York Railway Institute, both with strong traditions and an ethos of community music, and York should cherish and support these wonderful bands.

“Those looking for individual tuition can access it via yorkmusicservice.co.uk”


Who are you looking forward to watching at the festival?

“The Youngbrass concert at National Centre For Early Music on 27 June at 7.30pm, which will feature a leading Norwegian youth band called Hasle Skole Musikkorps from Oslo.

“As a brass music educator, I’m interested to hear these young musicians and compare their progress with our own home-grown talent.”

• The Brassed On Festival 2013 will conclude on June 29 with the Brassed On York showcase in Parliament Street, featuring four Shepherd Group and three Railway Institute brass bands from 9.45am to 4.15pm.