Hampshire Music Education Hub, led by the County Council’s Music Service, has been shortlisted for the Music Hubs and Schools Music Services Award at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026, which takes place in central London this month.
Councillor Juliet Henderson, Executive Member for Education, said: “This national shortlisting is a wonderful recognition of Hampshire’s talented young jazz musicians and the skilled staff who support them.
“Through Hampshire Music Education Hub and Hampshire County Council’s Music Service, children and young people can discover jazz and many more types of music, develop their musicianship and perform with others, whatever their background or starting point.
“We are proud of everyone involved in building such a strong and welcoming jazz programme across Hampshire, and we look forward to seeing these young musicians continue to learn, perform and inspire others.”
The honour recognises the Hub’s contribution to jazz education and its work to give children and young people high-quality, inclusive opportunities to make music.
The Hub supports more than 20,000 learners each week, working with schools, music educators, cultural organisations and community partners across Hampshire.
Its jazz programme supports more than 110 young musicians through specialist ensembles and introduces over 1,400 primary school pupils to jazz each year through outreach activities.
At the heart of the programme is the Hampshire County Youth Jazz Centre, which includes two big bands and four jazz combinations. It gives young musicians a clear route to develop, from their first experience of improvisation through to preparation for conservatoire higher education.
Participants receive specialist tuition, join workshops with professional jazz artists and perform at respected venues in the UK and overseas.