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  • Press/external:
    “The sweet sound of jazz is making a young band
    one of the hottest properties on the local
    music scene.”

    “They are as crisp and talented a band as you could hope for.”
  • Tutors:
    “We want to make our music as original as we can
    and move with the times. If the orchestra is enjoying
    itself, this will reflect on the audience.”
    Geoff Miller, former KYJO director
  • Band members:
    ‘The people at KYJO are great and I love playing at
    gigs, especially being put on the spot when
    I get the chance to solo.’
    Ben, tuba

    ‘The gigs are awesome, really amazing to play in
    a variety of venues and not just a school hall.
    I’ve learnt so much from the tutors and MDs.
    Come along to a gig... you won’t regret it!!’
    Richard, trumpet and flugelhorn
  • Members’ parents:
    ‘Graham and Mike supply a cocktail of vital magic
    ingredients – inspiration, expertise, support,
    encouragement and energy – helping our son to
    move beyond his classical training at just the right pace. In less than two years he has gained so much confidence and really grown as a musician.
    Learning to improvise is, both liberating and exhilarating - he comes offstage buzzing after
    every solo.
    Yes, even tuba players get the chance, if they want it!'
    Fran Broady, parent
  • Members’ parents:
    ‘It is fantastic to see Richard in KYJO. I remember
    the sense of fun, playing enjoyment and learning I
    had with Geoff Miller when I was in the band. From
    Richard’s enthusiasm for rehearsing and playing at
    gigs it is obvious he is now having the same experiences as me and best of all he is learning and
    growing as a musician.’
    Ian Blake, parent

Welcome to Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra

It’s all in the name. Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra (KYJO to its friends) is a group of talented young musicians playing an exciting mix of jazz standards, jazz-rock and jazz-funk. They come from across the county to perform at major concert venues, jazz clubs and festivals as well as running jazz workshops in Kent and further afield.

The Canterbury and Sevenoaks Festivals are just two events appearing regularly on the gig list and the band has shared the bill with some top names in the jazz world, including Digby Fairweather, Derek Nash and Steve Waterman.

Wherever they perform, under the dynamic direction of trombonist, percussionist and keyboard player Mr Graham Mann, himself a graduate of the band, these youngsters are guaranteed to raise the roof.

For information about membership/joining KYJO, or gigs/performances and hire of KYJO please email: kentyouthjazzorchestra@gmail.com

Next Gigs

10th June 2017

TEDx Tunbridge Wells

Assembly Hall Theatre

24th June 2017

Sevenoaks Summer Festival Fair

Bligh's Meadow

27th June 2017

Sevenoaks Workshop as part of the Sevenoaks Music Festival

Sevenoaks Primary School

5th September 2017

Pizza Express

Maidstone