Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra

The Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra is a seventeen piece Big Band for musicians under 25 that performs contemporary and traditional repertoire and is the "House Band" of the Dunedin Jazz Club. The DYJO has had a strong focus on contemporary jazz, performing the original compositions of band director Bill Martin, as well as innovative works by Florian Ross and Jon Hatamiya. Since its inception, the band has also explored the work of innovators from the jazz tradition, presenting tribute concerts to Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. 

 

The DYJO was formed in 2018 in the wake of the inaugural Dunedin Youth Jazz Festival, a competition for High School Big Bands and Small Combos that serves as a focal point for young jazz musicians in our city. Talented players are often first spotted at this festival and the opportunity to attend workshops with visiting professionals inspires them to pursue a career in jazz. Many brilliant young musicians have performed in the DYJO, with players such as Abe Baillie, Jack Ta, Isaac Randel and Finn McKinlay subsequently seeking careers as professional jazz musicians.

 

The DYJO rehearses at Hanover Hall on Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:30. Young musicians under the age of 25 are invited to audition for the band, however, places are limited to those vacated by departing players. For 2024, new players are invited to audition on Wednesday March 6 at the Otago Girls' High School Music Suite (41 Tennyson Street, Central Dunedin) from 5pm onwards. Please email director@djf.org.nz to organise an audition for the band. The first full rehearsal for the band will be at Hanover Hall on March 13.