Teenage jazz player wins chance to perform at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club (From Harrow Times)

Teenage jazz player wins chance to perform at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

2:53pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Anna Slater

A talented teen from a Kingsbury school “wowed” his music teacher when he won the chance to perform at one of the world's most famous jazz clubs.

Luke Snow, who is studying for his GCSEs at Kingsbury High School, in Princes Avenue, played the saxophone at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, in Frith Street, London, as part of Big Band Day.

The scheme gives young Londoners the opportunity to be mentored by Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and perform on stage with the ensemble.

Dozens of people visited the club for the event last Sunday.

Luke, 16, who plays Grade 8 piano and saxophone and taught himself to play the harmonica, said he did not expect to get such a “rush” from the experience.

He said: “I first fell in love with jazz when I was around six and had my first piano lesson. My music teacher knows I love jazz, so suggested I applied to take part in this scheme. I had to fill out a long application form and when I found out I’d been successful, I was really excited.

"When I first got to the venue and saw how big it was, I was slightly overwhelmed, but the minute I started playing my saxophone, I got the biggest rush.”

He also decided on the spur of the moment, to play a solo on his harmonica.

Luke added: "My dad gave me a harmonica for Christmas, but I hadn’t had the chance to play it yet. I thought there was no time like the present and decided to do a solo there and then. I have no idea what I was thinking, but it went down really well and felt amazing."

His music teacher Matthew Damine, said: "I knew Luke was good, but was so impressed when I saw him perform on Sunday. I had no idea he could play the harmonica and was really wowed by it. He’s one of my top students and will go far with it."