On Tuesday 11 November, Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) took to one of the world’s most iconic stages, performing at the Music For Youth Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
This prestigious event celebrates the very best in youth music from across the UK, and DYJO’s appearance marks a proud moment for Devon as the ensemble continues its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Under the direction of Graham Hutton—Musical Director of DYJO1 for over 20 years and himself a former member—the band delivered dynamic performances of two: ‘Giddy Up’ by Rick Hirsch and ‘Apollo’s Reel’ by Tom Molter. Their performance showcased the energy, skill, and creativity that have become hallmarks of DYJO’s work over five decades.
Founded in 1975, DYJO has grown into one of the South West’s leading youth jazz ensembles, providing talented young musicians with opportunities to develop their skills, perform at major venues, and work alongside professional artists. The orchestra’s alumni include many who have gone on to successful careers in music, and its commitment to nurturing the next generation remains as strong as ever.
Music For Youth (MFY) is a national charity dedicated to providing life-changing performance opportunities for young people. The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall represent the pinnacle of MFY’s annual season, bringing together outstanding ensembles from across the country for three nights of inspirational music-making.
Lewis Gibbs, Head/Hub Lead for Devon Music Education Hub, said:
"DYJO were absolutely outstanding. In a concert featuring the very best youth music from across the UK, they stood out, delivering a performance full of energy and precision. They did Devon proud, and this achievement reflects the incredible talent and dedication of the young musicians and their director, Graham Hutton.”
Join us on Wednesday 10 December at the Riviera International Centre, Torquay, for a joyful evening of music and celebration!
Enjoy performances from massed school choirs across Torbay, alongside ensembles including the Devon Youth Inspire Ensemble, Devon Youth Choir, Folk Ensemble, and Jazz Orchestra Ambassadors. Special guests Burnt Daylight, finalists in the 2025 Battle of the Bands, will also take the stage.
Proceeds from a bucket collection on the night will support Children’s Hospice South West, helping to make a real difference this Christmas.
Tickets: £10 (£8 concessions) + booking fee
Congratulations to pupils from Ashwater, Halwill, Hartland, St Mary’s CofE, and Village Schools Partnership (Buckland Brewer, Parkham, and Woolsery) for a fantastic Chorister Outreach Programme concert for Torridge schools at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday afternoon. They performed alongside members of Devon County Junior Choir, Schola Exe, and the Choristers of Exeter Cathedral Choir, creating an unforgettable experience. Huge thanks to Andrew Downton, Singing Development Leader, Exeter Cathedral, and Exeter Cathedral School for making this opportunity possible. The programme continues in West Devon (spring) and Teignbridge (summer), and it’s not too late to get involved!
What an incredible day we had at Axe Valley Academy on Thursday 20 November for our latest Future Musicians performance! Over 250 young musicians from Axminster Community Primary Academy, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, All Saints CofE Primary School, Musbury Primary School, Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School, and Axe Valley Academy came together for two spectacular concerts. We were also fortunate to be joined by Music with Mr Gray, the composer behind the Future Musicians repertoire, making the afternoon extra special. Huge thanks to Axe Valley Academy for hosting and to everyone who helped make this event such a success. The future of music in Devon is bright!
In any Whole Class Ensemble Teaching (WCET) setting, there’s a strong chance at least one child faces physical challenges that make playing an instrument difficult—or even impossible. The OHMI Music-Makers programme is transforming this reality by providing adapted instruments and support, ensuring every child can participate meaningfully alongside their peers.
Join specialists Rachel Wolffsohn and Faye Oakley for practical training designed to give classroom teachers, Visiting Music Teachers, and support staff the tools and confidence to deliver inclusive WCET. Learn creative strategies, explore adaptive equipment, and discover how to make music accessible for all.
We’re offering the following training free of charge at the Future Skills Centre, Exeter, with the flexibility to join online for selected sessions:
🕐 Session 1: 1:00–2:00 pm (in person/online)
🕑 Session 2: 2:00–3:00 pm (in person)
🕓 Session 1 (repeat): 3:45–4:45 pm (in person/online)
This pilot, funded by Arts Council England, is open to educators in Devon and Torbay. Future rollout will cover the whole Hub area.
Looking to boost your confidence in delivering inclusive music experiences for younger children? This is the event for you!
Led by specialists Margareta Burrell, Steve Grocott & Charlotte Gibbs, this inspiring day, suitable for anyone working early childhood education, will help you make music accessible for every child...
✅ Practical, hands-on workshops
✅ Creative strategies for singing, moving & playing
✅ Ideas you can use immediately
✅ Networking with passionate educators
📅 Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026
📍 Location: Future Skills Centre, Exeter
Devon Music Education Hub and Young Sounds UK warmly invite you to our Visiting Music Teacher Forum for Spring 2026. Whether you’re an experienced VMT or just considering a career in music teaching, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, share good practice, and problem-solve together.
The day includes a range of CPD sessions, featuring introductions to specialist resources from Trinity College London and Charanga Pro, tailored specifically for visiting music teachers. FREE to attend with lunch and refreshments provided
📅 Date: 10:00am-3:00pm Monday 5 January 2026
📍 Location: County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter
National Children’s Orchestras are coming to Devon this Spring for a FREE, fun day of orchestral music-making in partnership with Devon Music Education Hub. There is space for 50 young musicians from Devon & Cornwall to come and play with NCOs team of tutors and conductor Veronica Urrego. Children will also create their own piece of music as a group with trombonist and composer Richard Shrewsbury. The day will end with a short sharing for parents and carers.
📅 10am-4pm Sunday 8 March 2026
📍 Uffculme School, Cullompton
Orchestral Days are designed to support young musicians in the earlier stages of their playing, who are not already part of our auditioned orchestras. They are delivered around England for the children local to the venue by our friendly and experienced tutor team. They are free to attend and open to any young musician in years 4-9 (age 8-14) playing between grades 2-5 on traditional orchestral instruments. You don’t have to have taken grade exams or audition to join in.
Traditional orchestral instruments include all strings, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, french horn, cornet/trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion (If you play drum kit and interested in playing percussion with an ensemble then sign-up! We can support treble reading brass players, Euphoniums and Tenoroons to take part too)
Sign up by Friday 5 December. Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis if we exceed the spaces available.
If you have any questions, please contact our friendly office team info@nco.org.uk
OHMI Music-Makers Training for WCET
Tuesday 9 December 2025 | Future Skills Centre, Exeter OR join online
Visiting Music Teacher Forum
Monday 5 January 2026 | County Hall, Exeter
Online Teach Meets
Tuesday 13 January 2026 | Online
Wednesday 22 April 2026 | Online
Music & Drama Education Expo
12-13 February 2026 | The Business Design Centre, London
Sound Starts: Devon Early Years Music Conference
Tuesday 10 March 2026 | Future Skills Centre, Exeter
Be a Chorister for a Day FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 29 November 2025 | Exeter Cathedral
Duncan Honeybourne (piano)
Sunday 30 November 2025 | Barkham, Exmoor
A Christmas Cracker
Wednesday 10 December 2025 | Riviera International Centre, Torquay
Battle of the Bands
Tuesday 3 February 2026 | Petroc College, Barnstaple
Wednesday 4 February 2026 | Plympton Academy, Plymouth
Tuesday 10 February 2026 | Torquay Academy
Thursday 12 February | Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton
Music For Youth Local Event
Sunday 22 March 2026 | Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot
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