New Faces Join DYJA!

In recent months, there has been a lot happening behind the scenes and we would like to take this opportunity to welcome some new faces to the DYJA team! 

As many will already be aware, we are extremely fortunate to have Mandy Henson join us as DYJA Office Manager. Mandy is the first port of call for any external enquiries, she manages the day - to - day running of the centre and works closely with Head of Operations, Mark Sabin, to ensure all of DYJA policies and procedures are compliant and in line with relevant governance and directives. She has a wealth of experience working with young people to help them achieve their potential from her previous role as a Pastoral Support Manager in schools and is delighted to be able to combine her passion of music and working with young people in this DYJA role. 

You will see Mandy taking an active role within the centre and also at many of DYJA's events and concerts as she has also recently taken on the role of Band Manager for Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra. Mandy follows in the footsteps of Louise Patterson who was Swing Orchestra's Band Manager for a number of years - a role she held with commitment and passion and we're truly grateful to Louise for her fantastic volunteer contribution throughout her tenure as BM!

If you've not yet met Mandy, we're sure you'll get the opportunitiy to do so soon - when you do please join us in giving her a warm welcome to the DYJA family!

DYJO Musical Director & Band Manager

In addition to Mandy joining the team, we are also delighted to welcome two new faces to DYJO - Mike Brown joins as new Musical Director and Kim Bailey supports him as Band Manager. 

Mike has an exceptional history in the music world, from huge success with his own Youth Big Band supporting tours for the likes of 'The Police', 'Madness' and 'The Specials' to composing and arranging for prestigious names such as NYJO, Mark Nightingale's Trombone Band and the BBC Big Band. Mike was also a music and music tecnhnology teacher for 28 years until his recent retirement and brings a breadth of music knowledge that he is excited to share with the students of DYJO. 

Supporting Mike in his role of DYJO Music Director is Band Manager Kim Bailey. Kim takes over from Georgia Levan who has helped to provide the pastoral and administrative support to DYJO for a number of years. A huge thanks goes to Georgia for her voluntary contribution to DYJA and the DYJO students. Georgia has passed the baton to Kim, who is delighted to pick up where Georgia left off. 

With a background in music, and a number of music accreditations to her name, Kim is delighted to be joining DYJA to support Mike and the talented students of DYJO!