TOMAS SAUL - LEEDS CONSERVATOIRE
After 7 years my time at DYJA is up. Without DYJA I wouldn't be the player I am today, in fact, I wouldn't have been playing the sax at all. I am so grateful for the people I have met on the way.
When I was a little lad who could hardly play and just learning the C major scale I went to lessons on a Monday every week and one week I heard this racket. I left the room and that racket was jazz. From then on I wanted to be a part of DYJA so I set my heart on becoming a player in the band then that was it.
A year later I was on Alto 2 faking my way through the first month just blown away by the way we sounded. I put in some serious practice well, as serious as you can at 12 years old.
Two years later we went on an exchange trip to Herten for 5 days then that's when my playing sky rocketed I was addicted to practice.
From then on it was all up. We won a competition that we entered for a bit of a laugh and get some gigs going. Couple of months later we ended up in Birmingham then the Royal Albert Hall.
Later on we went back to Germany but this time I was one of the strongest players and I got to help younger kids that were in my shoes and boost their playing in hopes that they would feel the same way I did about playing.
DYJA put me on the map, my solo gigs went through the roof, I was making money doing the thing I love at a young age. Everyone around me was working 9-5s and I was out playing in bars, pub, parties, anything I could get my hands on and I was, and still am, living the dream.
I am now heading to Leeds conservatoire to study jazz and DYJA allowed me to do that and for that I am forever grateful.
Overall DYJA is something I will never forget throughout my career and I am so unbelievably greatful for all the amazing people I have met and to all the teachers that have pushed me and taught me everything they know.
If you're a younger player in the associaiton DONT GIVE UP - DYJA push you and will make you an amazing player, even if you don't want to make this a career, keep playing, if you do then you're in the right place.
I WILL RETURN!'
EVIE GILLMAN - LEEDS CONSERVATOIRE
I started in DYJA just three years ago with little to no experience with playing in a band or even in front of a crowd. My first ever gig with the band was at the Earl around 3 months after I joined, and although it was nerve racking, the amount of support I got made it nothing but enjoyable. I have been through all 3 bands in DYJA, and have had amazing opportunities such as playing at the Royal Albert Hall and gone to Germany for a week to play. For the last year, I have been playing piano in DYJO which has definitely been challenging, however completely transformed my ability to perform. I am now heading to Leeds Conservatoire in September to study Jazz music, with a grade 8 distinction in piano, which I would have never believed 3 years ago! I cannot thank DYJA enough for the amount of opportunities I have had and for all the amazing people I’ve met; it will forever be the reason for my passion for performance!
JESS NOKES - CHETHAMS SCHOOL OF MUSIC, MANCHESTER
My time at DYJA was incredible, from my very first session to my last. I believe DYJA isn’t just a group of bands, it’s an experience, a community and a home for music, passion and love. I joined Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra a few years into playing the saxophone with little to no experience of jazz, performances and soloing. I was met by an amazing community of people who ensured I was comfortable, and got to know me not only on a musical level but also on a personal one too. I’ve always felt supported, cared for and respected as a musician no matter what. My confidence was my biggest flaw at the start of my journey. I did not want to solo and even began to death stare at Mark Sabin every time he suggested I should play one, however Mark, Mandy and the rest of the band never gave up on me, encouraging me and soon I began taking solos for myself. I can truthfully say that without DYJA I would not have the confidence I have today to stand up and perform solos at all, and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
DYJA brought me so many amazing opportunities from concerts all around the country to solo features, but not only did I gain incredible opportunities, I also gained life long friendships with people just like me. I’ve honestly loved every rehearsal, all the laughs and smiles, even when I’ve felt upset or ill, they have never failed to cheer me up again. I’ve spent some of my happiest moments at DYJA and wouldn’t change them for the world.
Recently, I went on to gain a place at Chethams School of Music in Manchester, and my time in DYJA definitely helped with this. Although I’m miles away, I always feel welcome and aim to come back and visit old friends and new faces whenever I have the opportunity. I would always recommend DYJA to anyone who’s considering music or just does it as a hobby, it really is the best. No matter who you are, where you’re from or no matter how talented or far along of a player you are, I can promise you DYJA will always have a place for you. For me and many others over the years DYJA has been the start of our journeys and a place that will always be in our hearts, no matter where we are
KRISTIAN WILLIS - GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
My time at DYJA was incredible! I have taken away so much from my time there in each of the three bands, learning different things from each of the bandleaders. Prior to my time at DYJA, my musical background was entirely based in orchestral playing, which I love, but joining DYJA taught me a new way of playing and a completely different way of approaching music entirely. During my time in DYJO especially, I learned a lot about arranging for big band, both through Mike Brown and by just playing in the band and listening to the other sections around me, which has been a huge help to me. It was also an amazing experience to conduct my own piece with DYSO at the Earl. Since leaving DYJA last year, I have been studying Film Music in the Electronic and Produced Music Department at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In my first year, I have recorded my music with the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra, while being mentored by Academy Award winning composer Rachel Portman. My time at DYJA has been extremely useful to me, as I have been asked on multiple occasions to write original jazz scores for animators at Central Saint Martin's animation school and I was able to use my jazz experience when composing and orchestrating for singer Corinne Bailey Rae's orchestral concert at the Roundhouse in London with the Guildhall Session Orchestra.