My first FYJO rehearsal I remember being awe-struck by the powerful, swinging, exotic sound that the band made – I had never heard anything like this before! At this stage I knew I was drawn to jazz music but I knew very little about jazz styles, harmony, and rhythm. At FYJO, surrounded by like minded people and great teachers, I was given the opportunity to learn. FYJO was essential to my musical development; were it not for FYJO, I would not be making a living from playing, composing and teaching today.