Previous Jack Petchey award winners

A recent award winner was Amber Osbourne, who was presented with her award by the actor Guy Henry. She has developed so much confidence and self esteem from participating in the 51st State Band, and has become lead flute player, inspiring a team of over 25 other younger flute players. Amber spent her £200 grant on buying a flute - she is also able to mentor another young flute player who is being given the opportunity to learn as a result of Amber's award.

Another award winner is Quinn Oulton. The awards panel felt that Quinn really stepped up to the mark and took the initiative to lead a group of our teenage musicians and perform in the concert as a band leader. It was quite a remarkable feat and everybody loved it.

Alice Corrie was a worthy recipient of the Jack Petchey Award in 2010. She always puts all her energy into playing in the band and every week she comes along with a lovely attitude. She is always helpful and is a very good mentor to the younger flute players. In performances she is brilliant..

Kwabena Boateng who started the saxophone with us a couple of years ago. To quote Gary Lewars, 51st State Band's Saxophone teacher "Kwabena really deserves this award. He works really hard and learns his scales with willingness." Kwabena is a talented young musician and we are proud to be supporting him. He spent his award on the French horn section.

Tomi Durosinmi has been a dedicated member of the 51st State Band for esveral years and uses this opportunity to develop his skill on the instrument. Tomi stands out from the crowd to show that its cool to work hard, be motivated and focused.

Emma Cowie has thrown her heart into the 51st State Band and offers ideas and initiatives. She encourages the newer members and makes them feel at home in the band. We are really grateful to Emma for her dedication and for all the help she has given us over the years she has been coming to band. She was presented with her award by Cleveland Watkiss and spent it on performance folders for the band.

Jake Long was presented with the Jack Petchey Award in November 2009. With his commitment and dedication towards music, he has brought a new vibrancy and popularity to the rhythm section of the 51st State Band. Jake spent the £200 award on buying new percussion instruments for this section. He was presented his award by the actor Guy Henry at the 51st State Band concert at Putney Arts Theatre.

Jonathan Winter has been playing the trumpet in the 51st State Band
since he was seven years old. He was presented with the Jack Petchey Award in May 2009 in recognition of his dedication, determination and his rock solid playing.

Sarah Prior won the Jack Petchey award in February 2009. She started playing the trombone only two years before and became a pioneer in the 51st State Band trombone project. She has started to take responsibility for the younger trombonists, and would like to buy a trombone with the Jack Petchey Award.

Melissa Simmonds won the Jack Petchey award in November 2008. People are often given opportunities in life but don't take them; Melissa won the award because she was given the opportunity to learn the saxophone and is using it. In only a few months of learning the instrument she has performed with the band. The award was presented by Julian Joseph.

Ben Broyd took his place in the Jack Petchey Roll of Honour in September 2008. He chose to put his £300 award towards giving the members of the band a Jazz workshop. Ben won the award for his committment and dedication to music and his focus in band rehearsals.


Louka Oulton won a place in the Jack Petchey Roll of Honour in June 2008. and chose to spend her reward on a new alto saxophone for the band. Louka was one of the key players in setting up jazz workshops, funded by YOF, for young people in the 51st State Band, and attended every session.

To find out more about the 51st State Band, email Sahana Gero at info@51ststateband.org