The National Jazz Program
Molde Upper Secondary School
Over the past several years, the National Jazz Program at Molde Upper Secondary School, in collaboration with Molde School of Music and the Jazz Program at NTNU in Trondheim, has developed a unique approach to jazz education and ear-training methodology. As of today, thirteen dedicated young jazz musicians are enrolled in the program, performing everything from jazz standards and contemporary jazz to original compositions that truly swing. Many former students have gone on to higher music education and are now establishing themselves as professional musicians.
The National Jazz Program in Molde has become a force to be reckoned with!
Instructors: Jenny Frøysa and Johannes Lykkås
In partnership with Moldejazz, the program has, since its inception, carried out an annual project inviting one or more established artists to share their music with the students and create a unique festival concert together. This year, musicians and composers Jenny Frøysa and Johannes Lykkås join forces to build an exciting musical space with the students. Bringing material from their own compositional catalogues, they invite the students to leave their personal mark on the music. The result is guaranteed to be both exciting and diverse as the students explore groove, improvisation, ensemble playing, and musical discovery—performed with their remarkable and infectious enthusiasm for music.
Jenny Frøysa is a saxophonist, composer, and educator. In March this year, she released her debut album as a bandleader with Jenny Frøysa’s Artful Ensemble, receiving excellent reviews. She has also established herself on the Norwegian jazz scene through projects such as PHØNIX, Leirblaa, Cosmic Swing Orchestra, and Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. In addition, she teaches at the NTNU Jazz Program in Trondheim and is academically responsible for the collaboration with the National Jazz Program at Molde Upper Secondary School.
Bassist and composer Johannes Lykkås is one of the most exciting voices on the young Norwegian music scene. His playing combines a deep knowledge of jazz history with a playful and engaging approach to music that is captivating to experience live. He is a sought-after sideman and performs with groups including Moon Inhabitants, Dykdypp, Samuel Burns, Klink! blank., and Swinging Tenors. He is also a bandleader and composer for several projects, including Lykkås’ Idéverden, Klink! blank., and his piano trio Wilhelm III, which is among the finalists in this year’s prestigious Jazzintro competition.
Line-up:
Fiona Wallin Norenberg – vibraphone, Martin Brunvoll Herskedal – trumpet, Iulianiia Lazurchenko – vocals, Colin Nogva Gjølme – drums, Alexander Lytvynchuk – drums, Markus Emblem – bass
Boghan Skidan – saxophone, Paris Dawarzarei – trumpet, Niklas Meek – trombone, Mathias Vikør Skarseth – guitar, Linnea Hofinger Jünge – piano, Brage Ølmheim – saxophone, Tobias Eikrem-Råmkes – piano.
Jenny Frøysa (teacher) – saxophone, Johannes Lykkås (teacher) – bass