Students of all ages celebrated International Jazz Day 2015 with their own 'jazz on the lawn' event.
Acton High School pupils in Gunnersbury Lane spent lunchtime performing ensembles including Blue Bossa, Chameleon and Just the way you are on Tuesday (April 28).
The show included Morwenna Spencer (year 11) and Ali Shahed (year 9) on flutes, Zara Siddique (year 13) and Evan Spencer (year 7) on alto saxophone, Andrew Smart (year 8) and Jack Morby (year 13) on lead guitars, Oliver Spencer (year 9) playing the rhythm guitar, Juan Batista (year 13) on bass guitar, Nathan Kwaw (year 11)- keyboards, and Morgan Fenton (year 8) on drums.
Many of the arrangements of pieces including Chameleon, Footsteps and Summertime were rehearsed by music teacher Mr Gregory, who is a jazz specialist.
John Hilsdon, communications officer at Acton High School, said: "Yesterday was very good – the first musical event I’ve seen since joining Acton High in January and I was very impressed. And, of course, it’s great to be part of the celebrations for the worldwide event that is International Jazz Day."
School staff, students and governors were joined by members of the local community for the performance, which was held to celebrate the annual United Nations event on Thursday (April 30).
The international day promotes jazz music’s contribution to dialogue between cultures, freedom of expression and the role of young people in enacting social change. Marked by events around the world, the day is led by figures including legendary musician and UN Ambassador Herbie Hancock.
