The three departing members of the Helston School Jazz Orchestra were show cased in the annual leavers concert which also featured guests Emer McParland on vocals and Calie Hough on percussion. Leaving the band this year were Martin Newbury (drums) and Andrew Belfield (trumpet) who both intend taking a year out before going on to music college.
Emma Bassett, trombone and vocals, has left Helston to attend Wells Cathedral School studying music in the sixth form. The three were thanked by Mrs Munns for the huge contribution they have made to the band and the Helston College music department in the past years.

Special guest Emer McParland is a regular singer with Ronnie Scotts All Star Big Band and the BBC Big Band. She has just finished recording an album with Jarvis Cocker and she sings on the new Harry Potter soundtrack. Emer performed two solo items with the band as well as a duet with Emma Bassett. She had also spent some time during the day working with all the vocalists in the band, which they all enjoyed.
Calie Hough is no stranger to the Jazz Orchestra having been the lead drummer and a tuned percussionist for some years. She is now studying Percussion at the Guild Hall School of Music in London.
Calie was featured on drum kit playing "American Patrol" and a duet with Martin Newbury "Sing, Sing, Sing". She also took over to direct the band in another of their favourites "The Chicken". Jazz Quartette "4 At A Time" played a short selection from their repertoire. The Jazz Orchestra are now looking forward to another successful year under Musical Director Clive King and are busy practicing for the regional finals of the National Concert Band Festival which will be held in Chepstow in November.
They would be delighted to hear from anyone looking to book the band for events or from anyone who would be prepared to become a sponsor for the coming year. Musical Director, Clive King can be contacted via the Music Department at Helston Community College on Helston 575029 or email smunns@helston.cornwall.sch.uk