Tomorrow’s Warriors, the pioneering talent development organisation and charity shaping the sound and future of UK jazz, today announces, during the organisation’s 35th anniversary year, a new partnership with Bank of America that will strengthen the progression pathways for its young musicians into professional careers.
Through the partnership, Tomorrow’s Warriors and Bank of America will provide young musicians in the Tomorrow’s Warriors (TW) Big Band with performance and mentoring opportunities through a new ‘Side by Side’ development programme. The initiative focuses on developing vital skills and experiences and enabling artists to learn alongside musicians from the Tomorrow’s Warriors professional ensemble Nu Civilisation Orchestra (NCO), known for its acclaimed performances with Chaka Khan, Corinne Bailey-Rae, Laura Mvula and this summer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Over the course of one year, young musicians will follow a development programme that will see them connect with and be mentored by professional players, sit and shadow in rehearsals, and participate in sight-reading, composition, and arrangement workshops. With a focus on musicality and professional readiness, it will even see some of them deputising for NCO players in rehearsals, sessions and concerts.
TheTW Big Band is a flagship ensemble of the organisation with 17 young players at a critical point in their artistic journeys. Selected from the 120 students on the Tomorrow’s Warriors free-to-access Young Artist Development Programme for 11-25 year old musicians hosted at the Southbank Centre, membership is a coveted milestone. The TW Big Band serves as a vital training ground and gateway into the profession, as well as a longstanding community for alumni and members of the Nu Civilisation Orchestra, including recent TW Big Band member saxophonist Donovan Haffner, winner of the 2026 Jazz FM Breakthrough Act award. The band performs annually at Love Supreme and We Out Here Festival and appears regularly at leading venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Jazz Cafe alongside a wide range of performance opportunities.
Bank of America’s sustained commitment to the arts helps expand access to high-quality music education, supporting the next generation at pivotal moments in their development. By investing in initiatives that nurture talent, remove barriers and create real pathways into the profession, the bank plays a meaningful role in strengthening the cultural ecosystem and ensuring that emerging artists can thrive, reach new audiences and shape the future of the industry.
For 35 years, Tomorrow’s Warriors has powered the next generation of artists and this celebrates a legacy of transforming lives through music, while building a more inclusive and equitable future for UK jazz and beyond. The organisation is guided by a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Its intergenerational model supports young musicians held back by race, gender or background to define their careers, grow and pursue their ambitions.
Janine Irons OBE, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Tomorrow’s Warriors, said “This partnership comes at a pivotal time for Tomorrow’s Warriors as we mark 35 years of championing excellence, widening access and challenging inequity in the music industry. Bank of America’s support strengthens our ability to provide a progression pathway for the incredible young musicians in our Big Band to develop into professional musicians in our world class professional ensemble Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Through this partnership, we will see the first cohort of musicians flourish in real world learning, developing the vision for their professional futures. Tomorrow’s Warriors champions young musicians with extraordinary talent – regardless of race, gender or background – to build the skills, confidence, agency and connections that they need to thrive.”
Fernando Vicario, UK Country Executive at Bank of America, said “We believe talent should never be limited by background. We’re honoured to support Tomorrow’s Warriors in creating pathways for exceptional young musicians to develop the skills, confidence and experience to shape their futures and reach new audiences. Tomorrow’s Warriors is changing lives through music, and we look forward to seeing these talented young people excel.”
What a tremendous initiative and partnership to support the arts and emerging artists! Kudos!