Building Bridges with a Bold New Generation of Jazz

Article and Photos by Melanie Macpherson.

On a weekend marked by the relentless grip of winter, getting to Saskatoon for Building Bridges with Music was no small feat. At least a foot of snow had blanketed the region, making travel a challenge, but by Sunday afternoon, the sun had emerged in full force.  While turning the city into a slushy, dripping mess, for a brief moment, it felt like winter was finally releasing its hold.  It felt a little wrong to abandon the sunlight for the dim interior of the cozy Broadway Theatre, but it turned out that the weather wasn't the only thing bringing the heat. I found even more in the music, the camaraderie, and the sheer joy radiating from the young musicians on stage. The Broadway Theatre, a cozy and welcoming venue complete with a concession stand stocked with popcorn, candy, and drinks, provided the perfect setting for an afternoon of music.

The event was the culmination of a weekend of musical exploration for the Prince Albert Youth Jazz Band (PAYJB) in particular , including a workshop at the University of Saskatchewan led by Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO) Director Nick Fanner and an inspiring Saturday evening performance, Women of Jazz, by the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra. The concert featured an all female jazz band comprising many award winning musicians including Prince Albert music teacher Shannon Fehr, who has four students in the PAYJB. For many of the young musicians, the weekend was a chance to learn, grow, and experience the magic of jazz in a collaborative setting.

A Tale of Two Bands

The PAYJB, is made up primarily of students ranging from Grade 6 to Grade 12 from around Prince Albert, but also includes one adult member who met Roos through the Prince Albert Concert Band.  It is a relatively new ensemble, but their performance showcased a remarkable level of dedication and enthusiasm. Though there were some understandable nerves, the students played with heart, and their set concluded with a standout performance of Hey Elephant, which featured a fantastic percussion solo and left the audience cheering enthusiastically in a well deserved standing ovation.

The more experienced SYJO, who for this particular performance were bolstered by five adults (due to illness and also a high school band trip), followed with a longer, more polished set that demonstrated their well-honed skills. The band, which requires auditions and draws talent from across the region, delivered a dynamic selection of jazz, swing, funk, blues, and even a touch of New Orleans flair. With solos galore, the set gave each musician a chance to show off their skills and have a little fun. Their set featured pieces from the Count Basie Orchestra and concluded with Sweet Home Chicago, made famous by The Blues Brothers, which had the audience grooving along. 

The Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by Nick Fanner

The Director’s Perspective

Scott Roos, director of the PAYJB, reflected on the performance with immense pride. "We do two songs particularly well—Willow'wisp, which is sort of a jazz/rock ballad, and Maynard and Waynard, a swing tune that we worked on with Nick Fanner during our Saturday workshop. The students played it much more confidently after that session."

Roos also praised the band's soloists—Bryce, Tati, Cobain, Gabby, Kasen, Noah, Chord and Nathan—noting that some had recently taken a seminar on improvisation and it was exciting to see them apply their learning in real time.

He was especially pleased with the performance of Hey Elephant, the band's signature tune. "That false ending was something I added to give the band some swagger," he shared.

Beyond their own set, Roos was also impressed with the professionalism of SYJO. "They clapped and cheered for us and were very encouraging. It was great for my band, which has kids as young as Grade 6, to see an older, more established band in action. Watching SYJO warm up was inspiring for them. They were great!"

The Prince Albert Youth Jazz Band led by NSMZ's own Scott Roos

A Bright Future for Youth Jazz

More than just a concert, Building Bridges with Music was a reminder of why jazz is such a powerful force—it brings people together, challenges musicians to grow, and creates unforgettable experiences. For those of us in the audience, it was a joy to witness these young players finding their groove. And for the students, it was a weekend packed with learning, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun.

With strong programs like SYJO and the emerging PAYJB, the future of jazz in Saskatchewan is looking bright. If this performance was any indication, these young musicians are just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where their musical journeys take them next.