The internationally acclaimed Doncaster Youth Jazz Association (DYJA) was formed in 1973 by John Ellis MBE.
In addition to our 3 bands, our 4th ensemble consists of DYJA Alumni who are mainly professional or semi-professional musicians.
Since inception the Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) has received numerous Outstanding Performance awards at the National Festival of Music for Youth, the National Jazz Festival in Birmingham, and the Great North Big Band Festival.
We were also voted the BBC Radio Big Band of the Year.
DYJO have performed a record 18 times at the Royal Albert Hall, at the United Nations in New York, Buckingham Palace, Ronnie Scott’s, the House of Commons and the Royal Festival Hall to name but a few.
We have also represented Europe at the IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators Conference) in New York and New Orleans. We have also built relationships abroad with musical partners in France, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Russia and the USA.
Our teachers are all fully qualified professional musicians with a passion for educating young people.
All our staff and Chaperones are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) assessed to work with young people.
Our students learn at the Doncaster Jazz Centre.
This building provides a base for the organisation with office space from which we co-ordinate our activities, a music library, small group rehearsal and teaching rooms, and a converted main hall for full band rehearsals.
DYJA is managed by an Executive Board including pro-active parents, musicians, public and private sector professionals. DYJA is a Charity Limited by Guarantee.