Reminder! Supa Dupa Big Band Bonanza in Doncaster this weekend

We reported on this event back in August but some things are worth repeating, so big band fans - make sure you have your tickets for this gig on Sunday 18th September in Doncaster.

In partnership with the National Youth Jazz Organisation and proudly sponsored by Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation and the Doncaster Music Hub, Doncaster Youth Jazz Association is excited to be hosting the first Supa-Dupa Big Band Bonanza between Friday 16th and Sunday 18th September 2016 aimed at attracting anyone and everyone interested in learning or listening to jazz from across the Yorkshire region.
On Friday DYJA and NYJO Jazz Ambassadors will be engaging with Doncaster secondary school students, and on Saturday a range of workshops designed to encourage budding young musicians develop their jazz talents will aim to attract a regional audience to the CAST theatre and the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association Centre on Beckett Road. 

There's more information on our August article here or check out the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association for further details.

Doncaster's Supa Dupa Big Band Bonanza, 16th-18th September

Doncaster Youth Jazz Association have teamed up with NYJO to run a weekend of workshops and performance entitled the Supa Dupa Big Band Bonanza.

From their website...

In partnership with the National Youth Jazz Organisation and proudly sponsored by Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation and the Doncaster Music Hub, Doncaster Youth Jazz Association is excited to be hosting the first Supa-Dupa Big Band Bonanza between Friday 16th and Sunday 18th September 2016 aimed at attracting anyone and everyone interested in learning or listening to jazz from across the Yorkshire region.
On Friday DYJA and NYJO Jazz Ambassadors will be engaging with Doncaster secondary school students, and on Saturday a range of workshops designed to encourage budding young musicians develop their jazz talents will aim to attract a regional audience to the CAST theatre and the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association Centre on Beckett Road. 

A team of support Ambassadors will be on hand to encourage, discuss and support young musicians. “This is an unmissable weekend” says John Ellis MBE. “We have a unique opportunity in providing a focused learning experience for the next generation of jazz musicians and lovers. Learning from the likes of Mark Armstrong (Musical Director NYJO) or Dennis Rollins (Associate Musical Director DYJA) as well as being exposed to the high standards of jazz expertise from the country’s finest young musicians on our very own doorsteps should be on every student’s priority list.”

The weekend kicks off with a workshop on Saturday from 10.30am until 12pm called Come and Try. This is a session for those of you who are new to jazz, have always wanted to take up an instrument or just fancy trying something new!

Running at the same time, is Develop Your Jazz Skills. This is an intermediate workshop for those who want to build on the basic skills needed to be a jazz musician and promises to be a fun session of jazz improvisation.

Later in the afternoon from 1pm until 4pm, an advanced workshop will run. This session is designed to challenge participants and will focus on three key areas - performance, theory and the emotional side of playing - dealing with nerves, using intuition, playing with feeling etc.

The weekend culminates in a performance on Sunday between 2.30pm and 5.00pm. Mark Armstrong and Dennis Rollins team up to lead a jam packed big band performance.

Information on all events over the weekend can be found on the DYJA website. 

DYJA Announce New Appointment for Dennis Rollins

Doncaster Youth Jazz Association have announced Dennis Rollins as their new Associate Director of Band Studies. In this role, Rollins will lead the senior DYJO ensemble and work closely with John Ellis (both pictured above) to develop the strategy of the organisation.

Rollins has been associated with the organisation since his early days as a musician and since leaving as a player, he has regularly returned to give workshops and feature as a guest soloist in concerts.

In a press release, John Ellis says 

I could not be more pleased. Dennis will bring a wealth of jazz knowledge and experience to this position. I cannot thank him enough for joining me on this journey. I am now very optimistic for the long-term future of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association John Ellis MBE

Doncaster Big Band Festival

Sunday 27th December 2015
2:00 - 4.30pm : Matinée concert
7.30 - 11.00pm: Evening concert

Venue: EARL OF DONCASTER Hotel, Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AD

Over the years, this big band knees-up has definitely become the most eagerly-anticipated  event of the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association calendar. All current DYJA members will perform in their respective ensembles. The individual Big Bands are featured in order over two separate concerts as follows: The matinee performance (2.00pm - 4.30pm) will feature the talented younger members of the STAGEBAND and the SWING ORCHESTRA. The evening performance (7.30 - 11.00pm) will highlight the DONCASTER YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA (DYJO) and the senior DONCASTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA (DJO Alumni) in concert. The evening will also feature several visiting guests, including Dennis Rollins, Tom Ashe, Dean Nixon, etc..

We take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a MUSICAL 2016!... May it start with us - we hope to see you at our Big Band Festival!

Cheers:  John Ellis and the DYJA Team

Tickets cost £10 for one concert and £15 for both. A note from John on buying tickets -

Tickets are now available from the Doncaster Jazz Centre, Beckett Road, Doncaster, DN2 4AA. Tel: 01302 320002 or e-mail johnellis@dyja.info   Please give your full name, postal address and state clearly which of the 2 concerts you require tickets for. We do not have the facility for payment by card, so please make cheques payable to DONCASTER YOUTH JAZZ ASSOCIATION or DYJA. You can of course collect tickets from the Centre Office if you wish, but be sure to arrange a mutually agreeable day and time. Thank you for your understanding.