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 offers an annual concert series and also performs other concerts. Our repertoire includes new arrangements of classic standards from the American Songbook; the music of jazz masters such as Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Wayne Shorter, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane; Latin and Brazilian Jazz; and premieres of works by WJO-commissioned composers and arrangers.
Our educational programs can be individually tailored to meet the needs of your jazz band. We offer multiple-day teaching residencies or one-day workshops.
