A Newton Poppleford teenager has been invited to play trombone with jazz legend Mike Westbrook’s The Uncommon Orchestra.
Sam Chamberlain-Keen, who goes to Colyton Grammar School, is taking part in his latest production ‘A Bigger Show’, on tour in London and the South East.
The show features a 21-piece ensemble, three actors, vocalists and a range of musicians.
Westbrook is a jazz/rock pianist who has led and composed for a multitude of groups, including his 1960s ‘Sextet and Concert Band’ and the jazz-rock group ‘Solid Gold Cadillac’. He has upwards of 40 albums to his credit.
Sam, aged 16, was contacted by him via the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, as he was a known player with them.
Westbrook was a trombonist short for his upcoming tour and Sam has since become a core player for the band.
The teenager said: “Playing alongside such top musicians has really inspired me to practice harder and the whole experience has opened my eyes to a new level of musicianship.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here