About the Band

We are a 16-to-19-piece jazz band that can play a variety of styles, specializing in Big Band, Swing, and Jazz. Our mission is to bring Big Band, Swing and Jazz music to communities, schools and especially to music students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the music inherent to America. With cutbacks in music offerings and staff in schools that has occurred over the past 40 years, many underserved communities do not have local and free access to experience a true big band performance. 

 

The Big Band jazz and swing emerged from the unique cultural melting pot of the U.S., specifically from African American roots in New Orleans, Kansas City, and New York. Jazz embodies American ideals through the balance of individual expression (improvisation) within a structural group setting (ensemble playing), reflecting the concept of individual freedom serving the common good. ​We want to give the opportunity to talented student musicians interest in advancing their careers in music to play alongside veteran musicians for mentorship and experience in this genre of music that is a uniquely American art form.

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We have been around, in one form or another, since 1986. We have had members who are professional musicians, music teachers, experienced adults, high school and college students. Playing experience runs from 8 to 60+years. We will also play for outdoor summer festivals to corporate events, and private parties. Funds from these events also go towards our mission.​ Our public events will be listed on this site under our events tab. Nothing brings a community together like live music!

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We accept and rely on sponsorship funding and donations to perform for the public. Our concerts are always free to the public. We never charge the public any type of admission fee. If you wish to donate to the cause, go to our Sponsor/Donor page to see our categories and scroll to the bottom of the page for more info.

 

We are proud to announce that we have received our determination letter now classifying our organization as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donors can deduct contributions under IRC Section 170. We can also receive tax deductible bequests, devices, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.

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