The San Jose Jazz Orchestra (formerly the West Valley Jazz Orchestra) is a premier ensemble of local professional musicians with a 25 year tradition of playing the best in big band jazz.  Artistic Director is bassist, composer, and educator Gus Kambeitz.

The group performs in an acclaimed Guest Artist Concert Series, now in it's eighth year, and in special events throughout Silicon Valley.  The orchestra also supports the educational mission of San Jose Jazz through outreach programs at local schools.

Upcoming Events

Recent SJJO Concerts and Performances

June 4, 2010: Blues Guitarist Chris Cain and the San Jose Jazz Orchestra

April 21, 2010:  Senzala Brazilian Restaurant

Mar. 27, 2010:  SJJO Featured Guest Artists at Los Altos High School

March 7, 2010: Brian Bromberg and the San Jose Jazz Orchestra

Jan. 30, 2010:  "Hollywood Comes to San Jose" San Jose Jazz event

Dec. 15, 2009: Special Holiday Concert featuring guests from Opera San Jose

Oct. 17, 2009: Vocalist Kim Nalley with SJJO

Aug. 9, 2009:  Saxophonist / composer Don Menza and SJJO, at the San Jose Jazz Festival

Educational Outreach

The Orchestra visits local schools to assist music programs and bring our lifelong dedication and love of music.  In 2010, members and the band have performed with, conducted clinics, or held joint rehearsals with Gilroy High Schools, Los Altos High School, and Almond Elementary School (Los Altos).  Local educators can contact San Jose Jazz for consideration for this program.

History

Over the past seven years, the San Jose Jazz Orchestra, formerly the West Valley Jazz Orchestra, has brought world-renowned artists to Silicon Valley, including saxophonists Don Menza, Ernie Watts, Dave Liebmann, and Jerry Bergonzi; drummers Steve Smith and Dave Weckl; keyboardists Russell Ferrante and Jeff Lorber; trumpeters Carl Saunders and Wayne Bergeron, and guitarist Grant Geismann.  In 2009 the West Valley Jazz Orchestra joined forces with San Jose Jazz to bring provide enhanced performance and education programs to music fans throughout Silicon Valley.

In addition to international talent, the orchestra has also regularly showcased the Bay Area’s most musically gifted residents such as Aaron Lington, Wayne Wallace, Hafez Modirzadeh, Dave Eshelman, Madelyn Eastman, and Jamie Davis.

Current Orchestra Members

The eighteen musicians in the orchestra represent a cross-section of Silicon Valley. Not only are they talented professional musicians, but also music teachers, engineers, marketers, and even the CEO of a local startup.