Columbus Jazz Orchestra- Resident Orchestra

Photo Credit: Maria Minnelli

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) is recognized for promoting the future of the medium by commissioning new arrangements and masterworks for jazz orchestra, as well as framing the music into accessible, themed productions.

The CJO is led by world-renowned band leader and trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling, former lead trumpet for the Count Basie Orchestra. Stripling has been a featured soloist with orchestras including the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, the National Symphony and the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Stripling has been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and performs at jazz festivals throughout the world. He has performed and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman and Lionel Hampton, among others, as well as the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and the GRP All-Star Big Band.

Gospel, soul and pop legend Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers recently performed with the CJO on stage at Columbus’ Southern Theatre.

“They are an orchestra that does other things for the community. They do things for the children, our future; it doesn’t get any better than that,” Staples said. “I’m very proud and honored to be their guest.”

The talent of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra is reflected by its guest artists, like Staples, and the members of the orchestra. All members of the CJO are seasoned professionals, having performed with the greatest names in show business. Many have toured with legendary big bands, including Buddy Rich, Ray Charles and Woody Herman.

The CJO has presented some of the greatest names in jazz. Doc Severinsen, John Pizzarelli, Arturo Sandoval, Ramsey Lewis and dozens more are all a part of CJO history. The Orchestra has toured Europe on two occasions, and regularly collaborates with other arts organizations. The CJO has been invited to perform twice at the International Association for Jazz Education convention.

• “There is a band in Columbus, Ohio that would knock you out!” - Terry Gibbs, band leader and jazz legend
• “My hat is off to the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus. It was a totally enjoyable experience and I am very intrigued by this organization. I would like to see more large cities with this kind of arts organization.” – Doc Severinsen
• “Columbus . . . a thriving jazz community spearheaded by the . . . JAG.” – Downbeat Magazine

The CJO, through its All That Jazz educational program for elementary school children, introduces jazz to kids through a fun, interactive experience that includes classroom materials, recorded examples and a visit to Columbus' historic Southern Theatre to hear the music come alive. . . on stage.

The CJO began in 1973 as a vehicle to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians in a big band setting. More than 30 years later, the CJO is considered one of the world's finest jazz orchestras and a model for success, presenting big band jazz and guest artists in a concert setting to thousands each year.