Business Details
41 Years
experience
Experience the Soul of Jazz in Cleveland
Since 1985, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has served as Northeast Ohio's premier jazz ensemble, dedicated to preserving and advancing jazz through live performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement. Under the leadership of award-winning composer and trombonist Paul Ferguson, the organization showcases both historical and contemporary jazz works, collaborating with renowned artists like Maria Schneider and Joe Lovano. Our mission emphasizes cultural enrichment by presenting innovative concerts at venues such as the Maltz Performing Arts Center while providing educational outreach programs that mentor emerging musicians.With a focus on artistic excellence, we deliver genre-defying performances that blend traditional jazz with modern influences, ensuring accessibility through initiatives like free educational videos and student ticket programs. Our commitment to E-E-A-T principles is demonstrated through decades of operational history, partnerships with academic institutions, and transparent programming that prioritizes community impact over commercial interests.
Services
Jazz Concerts
Educational Outreach
Instrument Donations
School Residency Programs
Event Bookings
Educational Videos
Podcast Production
Student Ticket Programs
Musician Mentorship
Community Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have presented jazz performances and education programs since 1985
- Our musicians include master educators from Northeast Ohio universities
- We offer customized event bookings from trios to full orchestra performances
- Our educational outreach reaches students from elementary schools to universities
- We maintain partnerships with institutions like the Cleveland Foundation for sustainability
Services
Jazz Concerts
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra presents seasonal concert series featuring both classic and contemporary jazz works. Our performances showcase collaborations with renowned artists and explore diverse jazz subgenres from swing to fusion. Venues range from formal theaters to intimate clubs, making jazz accessible to varied audiences while maintaining artistic integrity through professional-grade productions.
Educational Outreach
Our educational programs provide mentorship and instruction to students from elementary schools to universities. We offer workshops, masterclasses, and instructional videos covering jazz theory, improvisation techniques, and instrument-specific training. Partnerships with institutions like Kent State University ensure curriculum relevance while our free online resources extend reach to independent learners across Ohio.
Event Bookings
We offer customized musical services for private and public events, ranging from small combos to full orchestra engagements. Our booking system accommodates diverse requirements including corporate events, weddings, and community festivals. Professional musicians ensure high-quality performances while flexible configurations allow adaptation to different venue sizes and audience expectations.
Instrument Donations
This program provides musical instruments to underserved schools and community organizations. Through partnerships with manufacturers like Selmer-Bach Corporation, we distribute quality instruments to support music education. The initiative addresses resource gaps in public school music programs while fostering long-term community relationships that sustain jazz education.
Educational Videos
Our free instructional video library offers technical guidance on jazz performance fundamentals. Topics include breath control, improvisation techniques, and sight-reading strategies, presented by professional musicians. Designed for all skill levels, these resources provide accessible learning opportunities while maintaining pedagogical rigor through contributions from experienced educators in our ensemble.
People
Paul Ferguson
Artistic Director
Award-winning trombonist and composer leading the CJO since its founding in 1985. Recognized for innovative programming that bridges traditional and contemporary jazz forms.
Terell Stafford
Trumpet Artist
Grammy-nominated trumpeter featured in CJO's 'Totally Trumpet' concert series. Collaborates with jazz legends including McCoy Tyner and Diana Krall while maintaining an active recording career.
Questions
What types of jazz does the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra perform?
We perform historical and contemporary jazz styles including swing, bebop, fusion, and Latin jazz, with programming that explores both traditional works and modern interpretations.
How can schools participate in your educational programs?
Schools can join our residency programs, receive instrument donations, or access free educational videos. Contact us for partnership opportunities tailored to different grade levels.
Can I book the full orchestra for a private event?
Yes, we offer customizable bookings from solo performers to the full 18-piece orchestra for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across Northeast Ohio.
How are donations used to support jazz education?
Donations fund instrument purchases for schools, educational video production, and outreach programs that provide mentorship to emerging jazz musicians across the region.
Where are your main concert venues located?
Our primary venue is the Maltz Performing Arts Center in University Circle, with additional performances at the Bop Stop, BLU Jazz+ Akron, and various community locations.
Videos
