Portland Jazz Orchestra:
Filling a Void
Since 2005, the artists and staff of Portland Jazz Orchestra have come together year-round to present top-caliber orchestral jazz in the unique setting of the concert hall. As Oregon's only non-profit presenter of an orchestral jazz concert series, PJO offers diverse, high-quality programs, from the most standard big band charts, to unique arrangements, to brand new works from today's premier jazz composers.
Organization & Operation
A not-for-profit 501 (c)3 organization, PJO's founders and co-artistic directors are trombonist Lars Campbell and director Charley Gray. Operations are overseen by the artistic directors, managing director Rebekah Phillips, and a board of directors; PJO receives charitable support from generous individuals and businesses alike, and has received grants from the Regional Arts & Culture Council and Portland State University.
Outreach & Other Performances
Packed as it is with a plethora of music educators, PJO remains highly committed to jazz education and cultivation. With several projects currently in development, PJO's current outreach events include master classes and workshops in the Portland Public Schools, plus an annual benefit performance for public school jazz programs.
Portland Jazz Orchestra occasionally performs on stages sponsored by other organizations. Past appearances include the 2007 and 2008 Portland Jazz Festivals, the 2008 PSU Brown Bag Concert Series, the 2008 Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, and most recently, the 2009 Boones Ferry Concert Series in Wilsonville.
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