NUJO (Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra) is a student-run big band that plays jazz and pop music. We regularly perform at student events such as society balls, as well as playing other functions and gigs around the city.
The band is made up of students studying a whole range of subjects but who all enjoy playing, or singing, this style of music. For many, the weekly rehearsals are a good opportunity to keep up their playing whilst at uni and also maintain friendships within their accommodation (I once tried practicing the trumpet in halls…it didn’t go down well!)
This freedom gives us the flexibility to try out new music, ideas, and play as many gigs as we can fit in
We’re not sure how long the society has been running, but over that time we have sourced all our own music and equipment, so much so that the band is fully self-sufficient and independent. This freedom is great, as it gives us the flexibility to try out new music, ideas and play as many gigs as we can fit in.
As important as the gigs are, there is also a large social aspect to the band. Spending time together away from the music means that you get to know the people around you, and also improves your playing as a group when it comes to performances.
There’s a strong chance that NUJO will have played at a ball or event that you have attended
The big social of the year is the weekend away to ‘the middle of nowhere’, Northumberland. Crucially, instruments are banned on this trip.
There’s a strong chance that NUJO will have played at a ball or event that you have attended. “There’s a lot of organisation needed to coordinate a band which often has over 20 musicians”, says society President Oli Presland, “but it’s well worth the effort when we’re doing a gig and have the whole room up and dancing!”
For booking enquiries please email nujo@hotmail.co.uk
Image: NUJO