Introduction
The Devon Jazz Explosion is a project to take jazz into the heart of Devon with a series of groundbreaking workshops and concerts. Celebrating the music-making going on in Devon's schools, primary schoolchildren will be invited to take part in an afternoon workshop to create a unique performance of the blues, which will be presented in a concert in the evening. This will be the climax of a programme of activities which will have taken place in the schools in the run-up to the event. The event will be hosted by the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestras, whose young musicians will help the young schoolchildren learn what to do.

The Workshop
The afternoon workshop will cater for children of all abilities. Parents are invited to stay for the workshop, and to watch the fun! The music will be a 12-bar blues, which the children will have had a chance to learn at school. But no need to worry if they haven't had much chance to practise at school - they'll be helped at the workshop to enjoy playing their part, and to fit it in with all the others!

The Concert
The evening concert will feature the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra (both the junior and senior sections, DYJO2 & DYJO1). As the climax of the first half, all the young musicians will be invited to join the two DYJOs for the massive jam which will have been be prepared during the afternoon workshop!

Resources
If you are taking part in the workshop, and would like to get well prepared for the event, clicking the Learning Resources link below should help you. The written guide will help you understand what to learn. There is also a recording of the blues tune and riffs we'll be using, and a backing track for you to play along with. You can participate at whatever level you choose, from the simplest riff using a couple of notes, right up to solo improvisation, if you want to. Pick your own level & have fun! And it will all make much more sense when we put all the bits together on the day!! There is also a Learning Strategies leaflet here to help teachers plan their units of work with the children in their schools.
Learning Resources

Contacts
Participating primary schools will be contacted by their DMS Music Development Leader. For other general enquiries, please contact Brian Moore or Devon Music Service.
Brian Moore - DYJO Manager. Tel 01392 875283, or e-mail
Devon Music Service. Tel 0845 155 1019, or e-mail

Links
Devon Music Service
Devon Music Service (DMS) seeks to enable young musicians to reach their full potential. We offer a range of inspirational opportunities that demonstrate pathways of progression and encourage people to deepen and broaden their experience of music. DMS works with schools and learning communities across the county.



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