Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) marked its 50th anniversary with a vibrant concert at Exeter Corn Exchange on Sunday, 29 June. The event featured dynamic performances from current ensembles DYJO1 and DYJO2, joined by alumni musicians spanning the orchestra’s five-decade history. The event celebrated DYJO’s legacy of nurturing young jazz talent across Devon, with a repertoire blending classic big band standards and contemporary arrangements. The packed audience enjoyed a nostalgic and inspiring showcase of musical excellence, highlighting the enduring impact of DYJO on generations of jazz musicians.
On Saturday 28 June, Devon Youth Wind Orchestra (DYWO) delivered a memorable performance at this year's Budleigh Music Festival, joined by members of the Plymouth Band of the Royal Marines and acclaimed saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam MBE. Known for her electrifying stage presence and classical chart-topping albums, Gillam brought star power and energy to the concert. The collaboration highlighted DYWO’s tradition of excellence, with many alumni having gone on to join the Royal Marines Band Service. The event was a celebration of musical talent, mentorship, and the enduring connection between youth and professional musicianship in Devon. A big thank you to the organisers of Budleigh Music Festival for the invitation to participate.
Devon Music Education Hub are delighted to be collaborating with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain to offer young musicians in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay this exciting opportunity to play side by side with young musicians from the NYO community.
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3.30-5.30pm Tuesday 8 July | The Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ
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3.30-5.30pm Thursday 10 July | The Ilfracombe Academy, Worth Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9JB
These events are open to 12-18 year olds that play an orchestral instrument (including saxophone) to a Grade 4 level of ability or higher and are being offered free of charge. Devon Music Education Hub would like to acknowledge the generous support of The Riviera International Centre and The Ilfracombe Academy for hosting these events.
Congratulations to Kallie Ford from Kingsbridge Community Primary School, whose beautiful artwork has been chosen for the cover of the A New Creation concert programme. Kallie commented 'What inspired me to draw what I did was the idea that music helps us to come together to do something that we enjoy. This idea alone sparked my imagination, so I just drew what it made me picture, a harmonious world filled with songs and joy.’
The concert, a collaboration between Exeter Festival Chorus and Devon Music Education Hub, will take place at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 12 July. The performance will feature a massed choir of local primary school pupils singing alongside Devon Youth Choir and Exeter Festival Chorus. A chamber orchestra—comprising young musicians performing side-by-side with professional players from across the South West—will provide the accompaniment.
The programme, devised by Andrea Brown, includes Haydn’s The Creation and works by John Rutter, Ēriks Ešenvalds, and John Ireland. It celebrates the wonders of nature and our shared environmental responsibility.
On Friday 27 June, Devon Music Education Hub’s 'Future Musicians' initiative brought together over 100 young musicians at Honiton Community College. Pupils from the college and local primary schools—including Littletown, Upottery, Sidbury CofE, and Shute—joined forces in a vibrant, inclusive celebration of music. Developed with YouTube educator David Gray (Music with Mr Gray), the Future Musicians is a flexible, inclusive approach that caters for every imaginable instrument and all levels of ability and experience. The performance featured an eclectic mix, from ukuleles and cornets to taiko drums, chime bars, cellos, and even balalaikas!
On Saturday 6 July, Budleigh Music Festival invites families to embark on 'A Musical Treasure Hunt'—a day of participatory music-making designed to enchant all generations. For just £5, your ticket includes access to five unique events across Budleigh:
- Drum Devon – World percussion with James Carr
- Ottery Ringers – Hands-on handbell ringing
- The Beat Goes On – Body percussion with STOMP’s Ollie Tunmer
- The Power of the Gong – A relaxing Gong Bath with Alli Colledge
- Rhythms, Beats and Games – A joyful finale with Artistic Director Jason Thornton
Participants can also complete a Treasure Map, collecting stamps at musical events and local shops (in partnership with Shop Budleigh) for a chance to win a prize. All sessions are suitable for all ages—join in or simply enjoy the experience.
Devon Music Education Hub provides affordable instrument hire to support young musicians across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. If you're planning to start lessons in September, we recommend requesting an instrument ahead of the schools holidays to avoid the rush.
For just £33 per term, children and young people can access high-quality brass, woodwind, strings, and rock/pop instruments, (including guitars and electronic drum kits), enabling them to develop their skills without the upfront cost of ownership. Further discounts are available for children and young people from low-income backgrounds and Children in Care (or care-experienced).
For families looking to purchase an instrument, the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) offers a cost-effective option. Children and young people that attend local authority maintained schools, or participate in a Hub-supported music activity, can buy an instrument without paying VAT, making ownership more accessible.
Applications to be part of our Chorister Outreach Programme with Exeter Cathedral are now open for the next academic year.
This initiative is open to maintained primary schools and academies on a fully subsidised bases and provides an invaluable opportunity to develop singing in your setting, culminating in a performance in the spectacular surroundings of Exeter Cathedral.
During 2025-26 the Chorister Outreach Programme will work with schools in Torridge (autumn), West Devon (spring) and Teignbridge (summer). Please only apply if your is located in one of these areas.
Budleigh Music Festival
Friday 4 July 2025 | Relaxed Concert with ZRI (Zum Roten Igel)
Saturday 5 July 2025 | Family Day - A Musical Treasure Hunt
Growing Trans and Non-binary Awareness CPD
Wednesday 2 July 2025 | Online
NYO Schools' Concert
Tuesday 8 July 2025 | Riviera International Centre, Torquay
NYO Side-by-Side
Tuesday 8 July 2025 | Riviera International Centre, Torquay
Thursday 10 July 2025 | The Ilfracombe Academy
A New Creation with Exeter Festival Chorus and Devon Music Education Hub
Saturday 12 July 2025 | Exeter Cathedral
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