Middlesbrough Jazz and Blues band

The musicians from the Middlesbrough Jazz and Blues Orchestra

The Middlesbrough Jazz and Blues Orchestra have been together since the summer of 2005.

They're well known in Teesside for playing at bandstands across the area including South Park, Ropner Park, Albert Park, and the new Redcar Bandstand.

The band was formed by Andrew Kerensky, a local music teacher who wanted to establish a big band in the area.

They describe themselves as "a happy bunch of musicians who enjoy making music in a group setting".

"We are open to musicians of all ages who are keen to play great music in a band setting, and the only way to improve is to come along regularly!" Explains band leader Andrew Kerensky

"We're made up of all the sections you'd expect from a big band... there's woodwind and brass - including a huge sousaphone.

"And then we also have the rhythm section, which is everything else, including guitar, piano, drums, double bass, bass guitar and vocalist!"

Funding for a year

However, one of the main concerns affecting a band like the Middlesbrough Jazz and Blues Orchestra, is rent.

They rehearse once a week, for two hours, and funding the rehearsal space is a full time job in itself.

Doing what they do best, playing live at Darlington bandstand

Luckily, the band have been given funding to cover a whole years practice, by the Tees Valley Community Foundation.

"We have always tried to put a bit in the kitty at rehearsals each week to pay the rent - and any left over goes towards music stands etc." Explains band member and treasurer, Tony.

"But it's not easy to cover that cost as well as keep yourself kitted out with proper equipment, so we applied for this extra bit of funding."

"We didn't think we would qualify for this but the Foundation, who have a base at Southland's in Middlesbrough, were very helpful.

"This means that we can now focus on areas that need developing to improve the band, without worrying if we can support ourselves.

"It also means we can afford to put on more shows, meaning we can actually get out and about, doing what we love most!"