Established in 2010, the Northern Rivers Youth Jazz Orchestra (YJO) is the leading pre-professional big band in the Northern Rivers for musicians aged 13-24. Directed by Nic Campbell, who trained with Cristina Leonard at the Sydney Conservatorium, YJO boasts a full complement of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass, and guitar. The orchestra excels in jazz, funk, soul, blues, and fusion, and relishes the challenge of mastering complex charts by Gordon Goodwin, Tower of Power, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington. YJO frequently performs locally and has collaborated with jazz legends like James Morrison and Paul Grabowsky. Alumni have advanced their studies at top institutions, including Monash University and Griffith University, and new members are always welcome.

Re:Nic Campbell Musical Director of both YJO and YJO Jr.

Nic is both a formidable saxophonist and pianist and excellent ensemble leader with a solid jazz foundation and a great deal of experience working with young people.

Nic Campbell was raised in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s highly selective High School. Nic was taught by many members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as well as Australia’s top Jazz musicians. Nic then completed his Bachelor of Music at the Australian Institue of Music, where he studied under Sean Coffin, a graduate of the Berkeley College of Music and the Manhattan School of music.

Nic has been conducting Concert and Stage bands since completing his studies in 2011.

Nic has also performed throughout his life as a saxophonist, pianist and guitarist. He has performed with Australian artists such as Ian Moss, Don Spencer, Casey Donovan and Judy Bailey.

He is currently the Saxophonist and guitarist for well known indigenous electronic band ‘Oka’ often headlining music festivals such as Earth Frequency, Island Vibes, Kuranda Roots Festival and many others. Nic is thrilled to be conducting the talented youth of the Northern Rivers and looks forward to passing on his knowledge and passion for music.