New Groove Formation - 8 piece Ska, Funk, Reggae Band

Dawn started learning to play trombone at 9 years old. After learning the basics she then started to play in ensembles at school and joined Ampthill Town brass band. A couple of years later she then was asked to join Bedfordshire 3rd County Orchestra which took place during school holidays. It was a five day course of rehearsing new pieces and on the final day would be a concert showcasing them. Her confidence grew and Dawn then began to play solo's at school concerts.

At 13 years old Dawn managed to gain a scholarship at the Royal College of Music Junior Department where she participated in wind orchestra, brass ensemble, trombone and piano lessons and choir. In her second year attending she was promoted to the Symphony Orchestra. Whilst attending the RCM (Royal College of Music) Dawn gained a place at Bedfordshire 2nd County Orchestra attending courses and performing concerts at the end including on one occasion a millennium concert held at the Royal Albert Hall. After attending the RCM for three years Dawn finished studying there aged 16. She then began to attend the school (Redborne Upper) jazz band and also joined the Bedfordshire Youth Jazz Orchestra (BYJO). At the same time Dawn studied A Level Music with AS Level Music Technology.

After finishing A levels Dawn went to university to study Retail Buying with Textiles. At university she continued to practice trombone (much to the annoyance of her flat mates!) but was unable to find any groups to participate in. In 2007 Dawn was approached by past tutors at Redborne to play once more in their jazz band. At this concert she was reunited with Nicky (Pyper) who she had known and played alongside at school and BYJO.

Later that year Nicky approached Dawn to join New Groove Formation. Dawn had always wanted to play in Ska band having listened to bands like The Specials, The Slackers and Mad Caddies, she was excited at the opportunity and joined.