Why KYJO needs support

The cost of regular rehearsals and tuition is mostly covered by termly membership fees, however, there are additional overheads involved in running the charity, such as insurance, storage, publicity and website maintenance. There is also the cost of running 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.

KYJO arranges a series of professional gigs throughout the year as it is important to give our players the experience of playing to audiences. We have regular engagements at Chiddingstone Castle, Fort Amherst in Chatham and the Alexander Centre in Faversham.  We are also honoured to have been invited to play at the Herne Bay Jazz Festival for the last four years, and we play each year at the Sevenoaks Summer Festival. 

We often feature a guest soloist for our gigs and are privileged that our patrons Steve Waterman and Derek Nash regularly perform with the band.

Whilst we would hope to cover most of the cost of promoting gigs from ticket sales, these are major commitments needing significant financial support.

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.