A NEW free musical group for youngsters with an interest in jazz singing is on the lookout for new members.

Colchester Jazz Voices will host weekly practice sessions for children between the ages of five and 18 at Colchester Music Centre, in Sheepen Road.

Sessions are entirely free of charge as they are funded by Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation and Essex Music Services.

Last month four schools - Colchester Academy, Market Field, Unity Academy and Willow Brook Primary School - hosted a unique jazz day after learning about the genre from an expert.

Jazz singer Emma Sweeney visited the schools where she taught more than 500 youngsters about things like scat-singing and harmonies.

Accompanied by Essex Young Jazz Septet she then led the special event involving the four schools at Colchester Academy.

Ms Sweeney will run the weekly Colchester Jazz Voices sessions when they kick off this month.

She said: "It was a pleasure to introduce jazz to so many children through our vocal workshops that led up to the jazz event last month.

"Thanks to generous funding I am able to take young singers further on their amazing journey of discovering jazz music.

"I hope to be able to help develop a life-long love affair with Jazz music.”

Beverley Heard, of Essex Music Services, said: “We are thrilled to be able to extend our programme to more young people in Colchester.

"We already offer an extensive range of classes in jazz at the music centre in Colchester on Saturday mornings which provide excellent training.

"Many players go on to join Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra led by Martin Hathaway.”

Visit essexmusichub.org.uk/site/ensembles/colchester-jazz-voices.