Doncaster Youth Jazz Association recognised at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards
The DYJA team with their APPJAG award
The 20th annual Parliamentary Jazz Awards organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) and supported by the Musicians’ Union and UK Music took place on 14th October 2025. Jazz North was delighted to hear that one of our ‘Jazz Camp for Girls’ partner organisations Doncaster Youth Jazz Association (DYJA) had won the Jazz Education Award.
This was a huge achievement for DYJA, recognising the hard work and dedication that goes into recruiting, tutoring, and developing young musicians across South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. The commitment of the DYJA team is second to none, and their determination to reach and inspire children from all backgrounds continues to make a lasting impact on the region’s jazz landscape.
Speaking about the award, Mark Sabin, Musical Director said:
“We’re thrilled to see Doncaster Youth Jazz Association recognised on this national stage. Our passion for nurturing young talent and creating inclusive opportunities for young musicians truly embodies the spirit of jazz education”.
Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) was established in 1973 by John Ellis MBE. For over 50 years, DYJA has provided opportunities in South Yorkshire for young people aged 7–19 to develop their skills, creativity, and confidence through jazz. DYJA ensembles have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, and internationally, with alumni active across the UK jazz scene individually and collectively including the Doncaster Jazz Alumni (DJA)
“There is not a working musician in London who doesn’t know someone that came through the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association.”
The house band at the APPJAG ceremony.
Building on their APPJG success, Doncaster Youth Jazz Association continues to look to the future with an ambitious vision for growth and sustainability. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting young musicians beyond school age, DYJA is developing new groups designed to provide continued pathways for talented players. This includes the launch of a new Jazz Quartet and the DYJA All Stars, an ensemble for musicians who have recently turned 18 or progressed to university.
These new opportunities will enable young artists to stay connected to the DYJA community, continue honing their skills, and act as role models for the next generation of jazz musicians across South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. DYJA’s vision remains clear — to create an inclusive, inspiring environment where every young musician can flourish, from their first note to their professional debut.
Instrumentalists interested in joining one of DYJA’s three ensembles are encouraged to come along to listen and observe at first, then sit-in when they feel ready. Information about each ensemble can be found on the bands page of the DYJA website or by emailing info@dyja.co.uk
You can support the work of DYJA by becoming a friend or making a donation via Just Giving
Photo credits: Doncaster Youth Jazz Association
Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra’s Jazz Education Award certificate