The mission of the Westchester Jazz Orchestra is to promote jazz, contribute to its evolution, and advance the appreciation and understanding of this uniquely American cultural treasure. Drawing upon the talent of renowned Westchester-based professional musicians, composers, and arrangers, the Orchestra performs a broad range of jazz works from classic standards to commissioned pieces. We are also committed to inspiring young listeners with outreach programs in jazz education.
1. To build new audiences, deepen support among jazz enthusiasts, and elevate the prominence of jazz as an art form in Westchester County and beyond.
2. To serve as a creative vehicle for Westchester musicians, composers and arrangers with an annual concert series.
3. To expand the jazz repertoire by commissioning a significant number of new works and arrangements for jazz orchestra.
4. To contribute to the community with educational residencies and workshops in schools and other institutions as well as with our concerts.
The Orchestra performs an annual concert series featuring premieres of WJO- commissioned arrangements and original works. We also are presented in a number of additional performances each year. Our repertoire includes fresh and modern takes on the compositions of eminent musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joe Henderson, John Scofield and more contemporary artists including Paul Simon, Marvin Gaye and the Beatles.
Our educational programs can be individually tailored to meet the needs of your jazz band. We offer single-day and multiple-day teaching residencies. We will offer our teacher workshop again during 2010-11. Details will be posted soon.
