Why KYJO needs support
The cost of regular rehearsals and tuition with Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra is mostly covered by termly membership fees paid by the players or, more usually, their parents. However, there are additional overheads involved in running the charity, such as insurance, storage, publicity and website maintenance. And then there's the cost of a programme of open workshops with guest tutors, performances at local theatres and special events with high profile guest soloists - all requiring additional funding.
Consequently, we seek grants, sponsorship and donations from local authorities, companies and individuals who share our objective of developing young musicians. Individual donations are especially valuable as they may entitle KYJO to Gift Aid Relief from the Government.
The workshops usually take the form of “open” rehearsals and are held across the county. Where possible, these are linked with arts festivals, such as those staged in Canterbury and Sevenoaks, or with local schools that have proven interest in jazz. Funding is required to cover the cost of tutors, venues and administration.
Each year we aim to perform at one of Kent’s top venues such as the Hazlitt, Brook, Stag or Marlowe theatres. These are normally joint concerts with another high profile band or well-known guest soloists. As an example, in 2012, we performed at the Brook Theatre, Chatham with Derek Nash, front line sax with the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Band plus Steve Waterman, top professional trumpet & flugel player and jazz educationalist. We also performed a joint concert with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra at the Stag Theatre as part of the Sevenoaks Summer Festival.
Whilst we would hope to cover the majority of costs from ticket sales, these are major commitments needing significant financial support.
Over the years, Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra has developed links with bands and music schools in France and Germany and been invited to take part in Festivals across Europe. Travel costs are normally covered by the tour fee paid by players. These events are typically “exchange visits”, where we need support for accommodation costs and performance opportunities when our exchange partner visits Kent.
Sponsorship would also be welcome to cover the cost of lighting and sound equipment at professional venues and to keep the band’s own PA system up to date.
If you are interested in sponsoring KYJO, please let us know how you can help via Contact KYJO . Thank you.