YOU may think it is only an older generation that has a passion for big band music. But you would be wrong.

Big band music is alive and well and thriving among a whole new generation of young musicians.

Next week some of them will be packing in big band fans for a concert which has become one of the highlights of the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s music gigs.

Next Friday’s main stage concert by the University of Big Band has become a fixture in the LBT calendar and one few big band fans would miss.

They get to hear top quality young musicians playing big band classics old and new and on Friday (February 25), there’s a bonus.

UK trumpet star Steve Waterman joins the band as its special guest.

He has been working with the Big Band throughout the academic year and the concert will feature some of his arrangements.

It’s a connection that kicked off through a date that clearly both he and the band love.

“We play at the Marsden Jazz Festival because it’s a great outside gig and it gives people another chance to see us,” said university tutor Sean Miller who directs the band.

“Steve had been asked to do something at the festival and he wanted to do a workshop. We were asked to get involved.

“I said why not make it a collaboration throughout the academic year and Steve said yes.

“At the festival it was great for the audience to see him rehearse the band and then to hear them play what he had been working on with them.

“He’s coming to the university the day before next week’s concert and he’s doing workshops for the music department on improvisation.

“He’s also going to be doing the main guest slot at the theatre.

It’s great. He’s quite inspirational. “All his stuff is original.

“It is important for students to see one of the top British jazz musicians and be physically involved with him and his work.

“You can listen to people play and go to their gigs but there is a separation. But when a musician like Steve is there, right in the middle of things, it’s a completely different relationship.”

Steve Waterman began his career while studying at Trinity College Of Music, and since then has worked widely on the British and International jazz scene.

He has recorded seven critically acclaimed CDs featuring many original compositions and arrangements and will be playing some of his pieces in Huddersfield next week.

Steve is professor of Jazz Trumpet at Trinity College of Music in London, visiting Jazz Trumpet specialist at The Royal Northern College Of Music and The Purcell School.

He teaches on summer jazz courses and has conducted numerous trumpet master classes and workshops.

Next week’s concert sounds like quite an occasion. Tickets on 01484 430528.