The Music

The band prides itself on its range of styles. Early pieces came from the sound of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman with repertoire including 'in the mood' 'hot toddy' and 'woodcutters ball'

HSJO are delighted to be associated with composer/arranger Basil Tait. A long time friend and colleague of John Austin, Basil produces special arrangements of standard tunes which highlight the many strengths of the band.

More recently Basil has arranged the Hoagy Carmichael classic 'Stardust', as a vibraphone feature for percussion virtuoso 17 year old Calie Hough.

As well as famous classic numbers the band have a wide range of modern numbers by composers such as Sammy Nestico and Josef Zawinul.

Two of the funkier pieces in the bands' repertoire are 'The Chicken' and 'Ring of Fire' - featuring all sections of the band in virtuoso passages. Although HSJO consists entirely of young people under the age of 19, their range and ability is that of a full time professional orchestra.