Hackney Creative Jazz Ensemble

Director: David Blackmore

The Hackney Creative Jazz Ensemble is open to young musicians from Yr5 upwards who are playing at a Grade 3 minimum standard.  Players learn to develop their aural/oral and improvisation skills across a range of creative genres of music, supported by a team of fantastic specialist tutors.  All instruments are welcome!

  • Hackney Creative Jazz Ensemble is open to players in Year 5 and above
  • Applicants must be of Grade 3 standard or higher. Applicants need not necessarily have taken a Grade 3 exam but should be able to play at level expected for Grade 3 players
  • Players do not need to be able to read music
  • Exceptions to the minimum age / standard rule are occasionally made if we have a shortage of a particular instrument due to other exceptional circumstances
  • HCJE applicants are invited to attend a friendly trial session before being offered a place in the band
  • Applicants must either live in the borough of Hackney or attend a Hackney school
  • HCJE may also accept ‘associate members’ from neighbouring boroughs in certain circumstances, please get in touch for more information

When: Tuesdays 6 – 7.30pm

Where: Bridge Academy, Laburnum Street, London, E2 8BA


In addition to director David Blackmore, HCJE is also supported by Spencer Martin and team of other guest tutors

Membership: Membership to HCJE costs £35 for young people attending a Hackney school, £45 for those living in Hackney but going to an out of borough school.  Costs for Pupil Premium families are £15 per term.

To apply to join Hackney Creative Jazz Ensemble, please complete this application form

For further information, please email xanthe.sarr@hackney.gov.uk