Jazz musician through to BBC finals

Tom Smith (Year 13, Upper Eighth) is through to the final round of the BBC’s first Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition

To enter, Tom had to produce a 10-minute video with a band of his choosing. He and 22 others made it through to the next stage, where he performed a set that he had chosen, this time playing with a band provided by the BBC. The final will be broadcast on BBC4 this month, when Tom and four others will compete for the title.

Tom, primarily a saxophonist, is a major contributor to the lively jazz scene at St Paul’s, performing in a variety of ensembles and also directing his own group of Fourth form musicians. He has been accepted into the Royal Academy of Music Jazz programme for next academic year, one of the most competitive conservatoire courses in the country.

Find out more about the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award.