Northampton School For Boys Big Band backstage at the Schools Prom

NSB Big Band is the most senior of three jazz ensembles at the school, and performance opportunities come in thick and fast. 

"We keep playing lots of music and hopefully we're choosing it right, and everybody enjoys it." Music Director Barry Johnson tells Classic FM's Tim Lihoreau.

The school also offers "lots of chances for performance including America", Barry says.

With bi-annual visits to the USA, a busy concert schedule, and masterclasses with big band greats, the band needs little encouragement to rehearse. 

Tonight they're playing Freedom Jazz Dance - a contemporary setting of a jazz-funk standard, played here with a hip-hop groove highlighting some very talented soloists. 

Out of the Doghouse is a shuffle-based chart topper with a boogie-woogie rhythmic feel.