Comprised of some of the top musicians in the country, our 68-member orchestra performs free concerts for the community and has played with renowned jazz soloists like George Duke, Dave Grusin, Christian McBride, Lee Ritenour and The Yellowjackets.

Every year, the SJO — in partnership with the The ASCAP Foundation — awards a commissioning prize to a composer, whose new work is then premiered by the orchestra in concert.

We bring much-needed music education to 180 classrooms every week of the school year, with a focus on schools in underserved neighborhoods. This means that we reach 4,700 students with this year-long program.

From counting out rhythms, to introducing instruments, to learning about the history of blues music, these residencies inspire students to learn about the world around them and to question, create and express.

The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra has served over 65,000 young people and their families across Los Angeles County.