We are thrilled to announce the appointment of two exceptional new members to our Board of Trustees, Jas Kayser and Giulia Marro. Both appointees bring a wealth of contemporary industry experience and a profound dedication to music education.
“We are incredibly lucky and excited to welcome Jas and Giulia to the Board,” said Projjol Banerjea, Chair of the Board of Trustees for NYJO. “Their phenomenal achievements on the global stage, combined with their grassroots dedication to teaching and mentoring, make them perfect additions to our charity. We are eager to channel their fresh perspectives and dynamic energy into our mission of empowering the next generation of jazz musicians.”
Jas Kayser is a professional drummer, educator, and band leader with extensive experience performing, touring, and recording internationally. Currently, Kayser performs as the drummer for the Lenny Kravitz Band. Her prior experience includes touring and recording with high-profile artists such as the Jorja Smith Band and Alfa Mist. A highly decorated musician, she was named Jazz FM Breakthrough Artist and Parliamentary Jazz Newcomer in 2021. Kayser is also a dedicated educator who has previously taught at and worked with NYJO. Her teaching portfolio extends to mentoring students at the World Heartbeat Academy and the Danilo Perez Foundation. She holds degrees in Contemporary Performance from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and in Contemporary Writing and Production from Berklee College of Music.
Jas Kayser speaks of her appointment, “It’s a pleasure to be joining the board of NYJO. This is my first trustee role, so I’m honoured and excited to contribute to NYJO’s development and the inspiring journey ahead.”
Giulia Marro is a dynamic jazz clarinettist, vocalist, and educator who has been an active member of the Birmingham and London jazz scenes. As a band leader, she released her debut album, ‘A Portrait of Giulia,’ in March 2025. Marro has performed sold-out shows at major UK jazz festivals, including the Manchester, Birmingham, Cheltenham, and London Jazz Festivals. Alongside her performance career, she also brings valuable teaching experience to the board. Currently, she serves as a Woodwind Specialist at Lambeth Music Service and a Piano Tutor at St Bartholomew’s Primary School. Marro holds a BMus (Hons) in Jazz Clarinet from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Giulia Marro states, “I am so excited to join NYJO as a Trustee. As a working jazz musician with a strong passion for jazz education, I’m thrilled to support the next generation of artists and help ensure they have access to the opportunities and mentorship that will enable them to find their own artistic voice.”
Yvette Griffith, NYJO Chief Executive, comments on the appointments, “I’m really pleased to be welcoming working professional musicians into NYJO’s trustee community. Their lived experience of today’s industry brings invaluable insight to our governance, ensuring decisions are rooted in the realities our young musicians may be stepping into. Their contribution will meaningfully strengthen NYJO’s vision and strategic direction, and I’m excited about the energy and perspective they will bring to the next chapter of our work. “
These appointments reinforce NYJO’s commitment to pairing artistic excellence with educational leadership to shape a bold and inclusive future for jazz.