The heart of the Barnsley Youth Jazz Association is the Dearne Big Band which  was formed in 1978 for pupils of the Foulstone School by the school’s music teacher Holin Hammerton,  Holin taught at Darfield Foulstone for 33 years and retired not so long ago.

From the success of the Dearne Big Band came a number of feeder bands such as the Barnsley Youth Jazz Orchestra, Clarinets unlimited , Brass tacks and a number of Choirs together with various beginner groups.

A wide age range is catered for within the organisation from junior school onwards with no upper age limit. Although the main emphasis is on our local teenagers.

Over the years the association opened it’s doors to interested players from within the local schools and community, former pupils of the Darfield Foulstone School and returning players of the Dearne Big Band together with individuals who have joined the association from Rotherham and as far afield as Liverpool.

The senior band was originally known as the Dearne Youth Big Band until its name was changed in 1983 to the Dearne Big Band to reflect the fact that many within the band were no longer youth’s.  Around the same time the Barnsley Youth Jazz Orchestra or “Jazz Orc” as it was more commonly known, came into being.

The “Jazz Orc” has acted as a stepping stone into the Dearne Big Band and for a proportion of members over the years has given them the impetus to progress into the music industry and/or music based professions. Many members (both past and present) are now successful musicians either in a professional or semi-professional basis. The band has several teachers in its present line up.

Having regularly visited Barnsleys German twin-town of Schwarbish Gmund and performed in Jersey and Brittany the band has now settled into a less hectic diary of performances. But a winter season of concerts at Ardsley House keeps the band on its toes with new harder arrangements

Holins enthusiasm for local music has given the opportunity for many more children, tennagers and adults to experience rehearsing and playing live music. If you are interested in joining one of the Barnsley Youth Jazz Association Groups please have a look at the FAQ page.