Nebraska Jazz Orchestra

The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1975 and is one of the Midwest's premier big bands, celebrating over 25 years of great performances. The ensemble's concerts feature a variety of traditional big band compositions by jazz masters such as Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, reflecting the rich legacies of the Mississippi Basin territory bands. The ensemble also adds to this legacy by performing new compositions and arrangements regularly.

The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra (NJO) has produced six volumes of recordings featuring more than 60 original compositions and arrangements written by the ensemble's members, alumni and friends. The ensemble released its most recent CD, "Christmas Jazz" Volume VI, in December 1998, and is currently recording live concert material.

The NJO participates in the touring programs of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and has toured extensively throughout the Midwest. The NJO has also performed in England, Scotland, Germany and France. In 1997 the NJO performed at the prestigious Montreux International Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland.

In addition to their annual concert series in Lincoln, touring concerts, special events, and recording productions, the NJO presents workshops and master classes for student groups ranging from elementary to college. The group also sponsors the NJO Young Jazz Artist Competition, NJO Young Lions All-Star Big Band and the annual Nebraska Jazz Camp, held every July on the campus of Nebraska Wesleyan University.

To check out their Discography click here.