Adele Grogan (jazz saxophone)

Adele started to play the alto saxophone eight years ago and after only three months she won the Anthony Thornton Hodge award, a coveted prize given by Oldham Music Service. She then won the award again on flute in 2009, becoming the only person to have won on two different instruments. Adele was a member of the Oldham Music Centre Swing Band and Jazz Ensemble as well as the Billy Coxon Seven and the Big Shot Swing Orchestra, with whom she continues to perform all around the country.

Adele received funding from Future Talent in 2008 which enabled her to buy a new and much-needed alto saxophone.  Future Talent has also given Adele a number of performance opportunities including at the 2008 gala fundraising evening at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club where she jammed with the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars until 2am! She was also part of Future Talent’s 2009 Ryedale Festival showcase concert and was one of three musicians to represent Future Talent at Picnic in the Park at Thirsk Hall in 2009.

Since receiving funding from Future Talent, Adele has continued to flourish. In October 2009 she played with her jazz combo Cinqopation at the Conservative Party Annual Conference, and in June 2010 Adele received a shield for the Most Memorable Performance at the Oldham Borough Music Festival. Adele is currently studying Jazz at Middlesex University, after which she hopes to pursue a career as a professional performer.