About The Dearne Big Band
The Dearne Big Band was formed in 1978 for pupils of the Foulstone School by the school's former music teacher Holin Hammerton.
The 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. This is still evident today with the age range in the Band from ranging from 13 to 40 years.
The Band has acted as a stepping stone for many of the members over the years both within the music industry and professional fields. 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.
In our continuing efforts to make music accessible to everyone, the Barnsley Youth Jazz Association was set up. This includes beginners brass and woodwind groups, singing groups, The Barnsley Jazz Orchestra and of course at its heart The Dearne Big Band.