The Edmonton Jazz Orchestra (EJO) was founded in 2006 by Kent Sangster as part of the 2006 Edmonton International Jazz Festival. The intention was to provide for the city of Edmonton, in the tradition of the Tommy Banks Big Band, a first rate professional big band in line with other major Canadian Cities. In concert the EJO has shared the stage with Tommy Banks, Alfie Zappacosta, Carol Welsman, Lew Tabcakin, Hilario Duran, Don Aubin, Chris Andrew, Rubin Detoledo and others. In addition to its concerts, the EJO has become a very effective and essential component to the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society on many educational outreach levels as well.
The EJO is a professional large jazz ensemble comprised of Edmonton-based, professional musicians engaged in the cultural life of the city as performers, band directors, teachers in schools across Alberta, and even nationally recognized recording artists. The Edmonton Jazz Festival Society developed the EJO to provide a supportive professional environment where jazz musicians could conceive, compose, arrange, rehearse and perform the art form of large ensemble jazz in a concert setting. Since 2006 the EJO has undergone substantial artistic development and growth many collaborations with Edmonton, Canadian and international artists and with existing arts and cultural institutions. This premier ensemble explores the traditions of the jazz repertoire while ensuring to presenting existing and new works by leading Canadian jazz composers. The EJO is also a key component to the Jazzworks non-competitive educational festival both as a performance ensemble but many of the EJO members are also clinicians for Jazzworks working with hundreds of students annually.
Audiences and musicians gain a further appreciation and understanding of jazz through the EJO’s various outreach activities:
Present a 3-5 concert series annually, in front of just over 5000 people.
Approximately 30,000.00 budgeted for the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra.
Currently supported by the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society, Canadian Heritage, corporate and media sponsors as well as ticket sales.
Open, free of charge rehearsals made available to the public for free.
Attended by both school groups and or seniors who find the rehearsals a very convenient and affordable way to experience the EJO.
2 for 1 ticket offer to Edmonton School music programs, offered in partnership with the EJFS and Kingston Ross Pasnak Chartered Accountants, one of the EJO longest sponsors.
Artist and Composer-In-Residency Programs. Since 2006 the EJO has worked with many leading jazz professionals from across Canada and the United States, often performer original works by the guest artist. This is a wonderful short-term residency, usually 2-3 days of mentoring in a professional setting. Very often the guest artist is presenting his or her original works arranged for large ensemble. Working directly with the composer for a series of concentrated sessions is so helpful with the interpretation and ultimately the performance of the music.
Instrument Zoo for young children, free of charge event as part of Jazz in the Park. Upwards of 100 young kids get to play all types of band instruments with the guidance of EJO musicians! very inspiring to see!
EJO Members participation as clinicians and mentors working with junior/senior high and college ensembles annually: At the Jazzworks Non Competitive Band Festival presented in February & at the Jazzworks Creative Small Group Workshop presented in June/July.