BUDDING young jazz players will get the chance to work alongside the professionals at a Jazz Festival being held in Leyburn.

Young musicians aged 11 to 25 years are being invited to spend a morning with professional musicians to develop their appreciation of jazz and improvisation.

The festival is being held in the town from October 22 to 24, with the workshop session led by pianist and North East native Paul Edis and his band Triptych. Participants will be shown how to develop musicianship, ensemble, instrumental technique, solo improvisation, arranging and composition skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The session is on Sunday and is free, starting at 10am at Tennants Garden Rooms. Booking is required via the festival website at www.leyburnjazz.co.uk

Festival organiser Colin Bailey said: "Young people that might be interested in coming along don’t need to be able to read music or have graded exams to take part but, as a guide, they should ideally be working at grade three or above to get the most out of the session. Paul and his band will encourage you to share your ideas and together you will create a selection of short pieces that will be presented as part of a showcase performance at the end of the session. All instruments including voice are welcome to attend."

Mr Edis has worked extensively in music education; as a guest lecturer for Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and York universities, leading youth groups and community bands for Sage Gateshead, Durham County Council, and teaching jazz piano and leading workshops for the National Youth Jazz Collective and National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

The festival takes place in Tennants Garden Rooms and at venues in Leyburn town centre. Full information is at www.leyburnjazz.co.uk