Conference, Birmingham: All the kids in the band want you to know...

Happy times with  Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Ellington Orchestra and head of Jazz, Jeremy Price at the conclusion of the 25th International Duke Ellington Study Group Conference, 27th May, 2018

It is over a month now since the 25th International Duke Ellington Study Group Conference took pace at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University.

The exam season and various other matters have prevented me from writing about the event until now.

The conference itself, the keynote speeches, the papers presented, the live music, facilities, accommodation and food were all superb. In terms of the research, study and performance of Ellington's work within the UK, the conference is likely to have far reaching consequences and hugely exciting projects are in development.

For now, I would like to say thank you to the key note speakers, the presenters who came from the world over to address the conference, the delegates who supported the event and the members of the Duke Ellington Society of Sweden and Duke Ellington Society UK in particular. Most of all, I would like to thank Dr Nicolas Pillai of Birmingham School of Media, Birmingham City University who worked tirelessly to organise the conference and Jeremy Price, Head of Jazz, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

I cannot  in fact, say thank you enough for the hard work, generosity and kindness shown by staff and students involved in organising and staging the conference.

Nic and Jeremy could not have been more accommodating and supportive of the idea of hosting a conference at the Conservatoire.  Their dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism were striking. The organisation of the conference on a practical level was also exceptional and Laura Carney from the Events Office was unstinting in the help, support and advice she offered.

The students of the Conservatoire’s Ellington Orchestra rose to the occasion magnificently, giving of their time generously in staging four concerts, including a farewell set on Sunday morning.  They are fine young musicians led by staff who nurture and encourage them to uncompromisingly high standards. The musicians are excellent ambassadors for Ellington’s music and, of course, for the Conservatoire itself. 

We do, of course, love you madly...