JMI Community Orchestra Workshop 

SOAS University of London

A welcoming, hands-on workshop session for adult musicians interested in exploring Jewish culture through music, creativity, and community. 

Led by Sam Eastmond, Musical Director of the JMI Youth Big Band, this workshop – which takes place at SOAS during JMI Summer Schools week – draws on his experience as a composer, trumpeter, and educator working across jazz, improvisation, and Jewish musical traditions. Sam has collaborated widely, including with legendary New York jazz composer John Zorn, and is known for his energetic, inclusive approach to music-making.  

What to Expect

• A relaxed, creative environment 
• Collaborative music making  
• No pressure to perform – just explore, play, and connect 
• A chance to meet others with a shared interest in Jewish music and culture 

Develop Your Skills

• Play in a supportive group setting 
• Learn how to improvise with others and create music in the moment 
• Explore how music can be shaped through simple conduction techniques 

Level

• For adult beginner to intermediate players (18+)  
• Open to all instruments 
• Basic ability to read notation required

Subjects Explored

• Improvisation 
• Jewish musical modes and phrasing 
• Listening and responding musically 
• Simple conducting gestures to shape music in real time 
• Exploring simple composition ideas and experimenting with given materials  

What next? 

This workshop has the potential to develop into a regular project where participants help shape the music by bringing their own ideas and leading parts of the session. Please join us to form a creative community!  

Tickets:

£35 – Adult tickets (general public)
£20 – Students (18+), senior citizens (65+) and unwaged
Free – JMI Summer school students only