Evan Atwell Harris is the 2015/16 BBM Youth Support Awardee who has recently started a Masters of Music at the Julliard School in New York following his BBM Youth Support Award. His report is now online, we have included snippets below but you can read the Full Report Here.

“I saw my trip as a catalyst to establish an international network of peers, to develop my skills as a musician and to broaden my perspective by seeing the world. While these are broad goals, they are each crucial in enjoying a successful career in the music industry.”

“I connected with a number of UK musicians whilst in London, notably jazz drummer Douglas Marriner (incidentally the grandson of the great Neville Marriner) and saxophonist Ruaridh Pattison. Doug and Ru are both alum of the Juilliard School’s Jazz Studies program, which I am now a member of (as of September 2016). My time with Doug and Ru was invaluable as they introduced me to the London jazz scene from a perspective similar to my own. I also reconnected with an old friend, Hugo Bishop, who is studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Hugo gave me further insight into the entertainment industry in the UK and abroad.”

“Musical highlights include exploring the campuses of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, as well as seeing the Shai Maestro Trio perform at the iconic London jazz venue Ronnie Scott’s. Wilbur and I also attended a jam session to get a feel for the scene and networked with local musicians.”

“I suggest that future recipients of the Jazz Award, in particular, consider scheduling their trip outside of the European summer music festival season. I regret that many of the contacts I made in advance of my departure informed me they would be travelling throughout Europe during the period my schedule permitted me to go to the UK. There are countless jazz festivals all over Europe between May and August, and most performing musicians seem to travel constantly through the summer.”

“I am confident that the international connections I have forged during my trip will prove fruitful over the length of my career. My time in the UK and further afield included many varied musical experiences that have ultimately bore me a more worldly perspective. I am grateful for the generosity of BBM Youth Support, and honoured to be a small part of its growing legacy.”