April 2011 - The LYJRO team are pleased to announce we have appointed a music student from Durban University to teach at Hillview Primary School which we visited during our South Africa exchange. The financial backing for these sessions and the donated classroom instruments have all come from LYJRO fundraising.
This project is part of a one year pilot scheme and it is hoped the project can be continued in subsequent years with further fundraising and financial backing. We are seeking new sponsorship to guarantee the continuation of this very worthwhile project and we hope you will support us during the future events listed on the Gig Guide.

The LYJRO Big Band has been in existence since 1991 and was established by Education Leeds to cater for ever increasing interest in jazz from young people.
LYJRO's aim is to offer young people of Leeds the opportunity to experience through performance, the spectrum of jazz related styles ranging from swing to 'hip hop' and funk. The authority also established a training band which introduces the young people to the first steps in improvisation and jazz ensemble work.
Over the years LYJRO has organised workshops featuring eminent jazz musicians including Scott Stroman and Dave O'Higgins. LYJRO have also organised projects involving several ensembles - the most recent being the 'Global Warning' project in 2005.
LYJRO propose to return to South Africa in September 2010 to perform in the Durban Festival and undertake teaching workshops in the Ekaya Arts Centre and local schools. To make this possible, LYJRO have developed a programme of extensive fundraising. We would welcome any new ideas or approaches to fundraising from members or parents as we need to do all we can to raise the funds.
The Knowledge Partnership sponsors SA Tour 2010
Preparations are well under way for the 2010 cultural exchange with our partners in South Africa. Contact has been made with our partners at the EKHAYA Arts Centre in South Africa regarding the coordination of activities in September 2010. Several schools in Leeds with cultural links to Durban will also be involved in our collaborative project. LYJRO members have been busy fundraising from back packing and busking to performing in Jazz festivals around Leeds.
Big thanks go to all the fundraisers and also the parents who support this process by dedicating a lot of free time to LYJRO.
If you feel you can help........get in touch!
