Northumberland & Durham Association Junior Jazz Band (NDAJJB) - long-service medal (c.1970)
A medal like this one was awarded to members of the Northumberland & Durham Association Junior Jazz Band (NDAJJB) for each year of participation. The same design of medal was also issued with a different colour enamel, presumably to distinguish one year’s aware from the other. The NDAJJB was later amalgamated with other jazz band groups to become part of the Northern Region of the UK Federation of Jazz Bands (formed 1976).
The type of Jazz Band referred to here was a marching band playing such instruments as snare drums, glockenspiels, kazoos, trumpets, oompahs, cymbals, etc, similar to the American High School bands often seen in parades. They are also characterised by their elaborate and colourful uniforms complete with plumed helmets and a drum-majorette who would lead the band while on parade. Marching Jazz Bands were immensely popular in the 1970’s, especially in the North of England and the NDAJJB was one of several organisations that regulated and promoted such bands.
References:
bandworld.webs.com/history.htm (History of the marching jazz band).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=INSxzCpzGGU (Interesting video clip from 1975 showing marching jazz bands in Cornforth, Durham).
Enamels: 1 (blue).
Finish: Gilt.
Material: Brass.
Fixer: Bale.
Size: 1 1/8” diameter (about 28mm).
Process: Die stamped.
Makers: No maker’s name or mark. Reverse side plain, no engraving.
.
Thank you for reading.
Stuart.
Northumberland & Durham Association Junior Jazz Band (NDAJJB) - long-service medal (c.1970)
A medal like this one was awarded to members of the Northumberland & Durham Association Junior Jazz Band (NDAJJB) for each year of participation. The same design of medal was also issued with a different colour enamel, presumably to distinguish one year’s aware from the other. The NDAJJB was later amalgamated with other jazz band groups to become part of the Northern Region of the UK Federation of Jazz Bands (formed 1976).
The type of Jazz Band referred to here was a marching band playing such instruments as snare drums, glockenspiels, kazoos, trumpets, oompahs, cymbals, etc, similar to the American High School bands often seen in parades. They are also characterised by their elaborate and colourful uniforms complete with plumed helmets and a drum-majorette who would lead the band while on parade. Marching Jazz Bands were immensely popular in the 1970’s, especially in the North of England and the NDAJJB was one of several organisations that regulated and promoted such bands.
References:
bandworld.webs.com/history.htm (History of the marching jazz band).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=INSxzCpzGGU (Interesting video clip from 1975 showing marching jazz bands in Cornforth, Durham).
Enamels: 1 (blue).
Finish: Gilt.
Material: Brass.
Fixer: Bale.
Size: 1 1/8” diameter (about 28mm).
Process: Die stamped.
Makers: No maker’s name or mark. Reverse side plain, no engraving.
.
Thank you for reading.
Stuart.