Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO)

Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) is an intermediate to advanced youth jazz orchestra led by renowned local jazz musician Terry Quinney. The group rehearses monthly and enjoys regular performances with stars of the UK jazz scene such as Mark Nightingale, Emma Rawicz and Eddie Gripper. 

DYJO is made up of the big band instrument mix, including:

• trumpet
• trombone
• saxophone
• electric guitar
• bass guitar
• keyboard
• drum kit
• double bass
• voice

Musicians who play other instruments are also welcome to apply.

DYJO is aimed at young musicians who have progressed well beyond the beginner stages. They should be able to play their instrument confidently and be able to sight-read written notation. For those musicians who are working through grades, we would suggest they are of approximately Grade 4 standard and above, but this is only a guide.

DYJO applicants are usually invited to attend one rehearsal as a 'taster' session (at no cost). This helps us to check that they are able to access the band's music and therefore participate fully in rehearsals and performances. It also gives the young person an opportunity to see if they like DYJO before committing to membership.

Terry Quinney

DYJO's leader, Terry Quinney, was born and raised in Canada where he studied Music Education and enjoyed a busy playing career in all types of settings. He's experienced in a wide range of jazz styles: from small group modern jazz to big band, from funk to free jazz, and from pop to pit bands. Since settling in southwest England in 2009, Terry has become a fixture on the jazz scene in the south of the country. He has performed all over the UK in an array of musical settings at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, The National Theatre and numerous other jazz clubs, festivals and theatres. As co-leader of 'The Sound of Blue Note' Terry has performed with UK jazz icons such as Nigel Price, Ian Shaw, Mark Nightingale, Alan Barnes, Dave O'Higgins, Gilad Atzmon, Orphy Robinson and Jim Mullen.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals:

• take place near Blandford Forum
• usually happen monthly on Sundays during term-time
• usually run from 10am to 1pm

Cost of membership

Membership costs £52.50 per term.

Help with Dorset Music Service fees

Your child is eligible for help with Dorset Music Service fees if they: 

• are eligible for Free School Meals, or are a Looked After Child or Child in Care of Dorset Council 
• are registered with a Dorset school or academy (or live in Dorset but go to school in another county)
• are in year 3 or above 

This support does not cover children who attend nursery or nursery school. It's only for children in year 3 or above.

Help with Fees covers up to:

• 50% of the cost of DYJO fees for pupils eligible for Free School Meals
• 100% of the cost of DYJO fees for pupils who are a Looked After Child or Child in Care of Dorset Council 

Find out about help with music fees from Dorset Music Service and how to apply.