DEVON S young jazz musicians are once again celebrating their success, with another invitation to headline a prestigious national music event next week.

DEVON'S young jazz musicians are once again celebrating their success, with another invitation to headline a prestigious national music event next week.

Hot on the heels of their success last year's National Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham, and its subsequent stunning performance in the Schools Prom in the Royal Albert Hall in London in November Devon has now had two of its youth jazz ensembles selected to go to the National Festival this year in Birmingham, on July 11.

DYJO1 (the senior section of the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra and the jazz quartet 'Progress', which is comprised entirely of DYJO1 members, will be travelling up the M5 to hear and be heard by some of the country's best youth musicians, as well as some of the country's top jazz musicians.

DYJO is one of a number of ensembles supported through Devon County Council's music service.

Under the inspirational leadership of Graham Hutton, once again the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra has beaten bands from across the country to take part in this important event.

Graham Hutton said: "It is such a privilege to work with these talented young people and once again their hard work has paid off. The standard of musicianship this year is impressively high and we have all enjoyed a terrific season of music making. Success like this only spurs us all on to work harder and do more!"

James Morrison, who plays drums in both DYJO and Progress, said: "I was so delighted when I discovered I would be playing in two groups at the National Festival, firstly representing DYJO but also the jazz quartet, Progress.

"The quartet is made up from four members of DYJO1 and it if it wasn't for the jazz orchestra we probably wouldn't be playing together!"

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's cabinet member for Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing, said: "Many congratulations to the youth jazz orchestra and to Progress, for reaching such an impressive standard and being selected for this prestigious event.

"Through our music service we are keen to offer opportunities for children and young people to take part in a range of musical experiences, and support students at all levels of development right through to national opportunities.