The Wandsworth Jazz Orchestra is part of the Wandsworth Music Academy and under the direction of Olly Blackman and Quinn Oulton tackles a wide range of big band repertoire, while honing ensemble technique, stylistic interpretation and improvisation skills.

Since its formation in 2015, WJO has moved from strength to strength working with a range of guest artists including Miguel Gorodi, Josephine Davies and currently, trombonist Tom White for their upcoming performance alongside him at the EFG London Jazz Festival. They will be showcasing an exciting and varied range of music specially written and arranged by Tom for the ensemble.

WJO have previously performed at the Royal Festival Hall, All England Lawn Tennis Club, London Jazz Festival and were regulars at the Hideaway Jazz Club in Streatham.

Recently shortlisted for the Will Michael Jazz Education award for their response to the pandemic, the Wandsworth Jazz Orchestra continued sessions throughout the lockdowns meeting weekly on Zoom and took part in online performances including recorded transcriptions, split screen ensemble videos that were remotely recorded and live streamed concerts.
The Wandsworth Music Academy is run by Wandsworth Music with an aim to inspire enjoyment and excellence in music, providing a rich diversity of high-quality music experiences and education to young people.


Tom White

Trombonist Tom White has been a fixture on the London scene for the past fifteen years now, performing and recording internationally with an array of different bands and artists including: Jamiroquai, Level 42, Incognito, Olly Murs, Emeli Sandé, Damon Albarn, Scouting For Girls, Gloria Gaynor, Stan Sulzmann Big Band, Jean Toussaint (Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers), Gareth Lockrane, David Murray Big Band and Jamie Cullum amongst others.

In the world of education he has worked extensively throughout the UK and Europe as a sought after tutor, running various trombone-specific masterclasses and clinics in Dordrecht and Amsterdam (NL), Köln (DE) plus London, Manchester and Birmingham to name but a few. More recently during the lockdown he has been working alongside Wandsworth Music Service as guest artist and composer ahead of their big band's performance at EFG London Jazz Festival 2021.