We are a community band which is open to local people wanting to play Big Band music and we are eager to perform for the local community. We started rehearsals in November 1999 and now have a track record of successful public performances.

Southwark Concert Band were fortunate to receive a grant in 1999 from the Peter Minet Trust to set up the SLJO.

Rehearsals are open to players of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. We welcome all newcomers with or without experience, and although most parts are covered, we should be able to accommodate additional players, and everyone gets to play at our gigs.

We rehearse on Wednesdays, 7-45pm to 10pm, at the United Church, Red Post Hill, SE24 - half way between Herne Hill and Camberwell, on the corner of Red Post Hill and Denmark Hill.

This is 10 minutes walk from Herne Hill, Denmark Hill, and North Dulwich BR stations, and on the route of the 68, 468, 48 and P4 bus. It is also possible to park near the church. Bicycles welcome.

Some of our members are experienced Big Band players and Jazz soloists, but a large number of our players had not played this style of music before and had not played in public. It is a friendly atmosphere with many in their 20s and 30s and several youngsters who are still at school, as well as a few older players.

Bob Bridges is Music Director of SLJO, and the music is chosen to reflect the whole range that is written for the conventional Big Band line-up of 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and rhythm section of guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. This includes music associated with Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, as well as more modern popular music arranged for Big Band. It is intended to play in public regularly with music that appeals to ordinary people.

website www.sljo.org.uk