Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra

Mission

Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra's mission is to nurture the musical, educational and artistic growth of individual musicians, to encourage women and girls to become involved in jazz performance/composition as a career or avocation, and to foster community interest in and appreciation of jazz as an art form.

Description

The Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra (SWOJO) features many of the finest female jazz artists in the region. The 16-piece band performs the original music of many regional and international composers and arrangers, including Hazel Leach, Nelda Swiggett, Patty Darling, Christine Jensen and Jill Townsend. The band has performed with Ingrid Jensen, Christine Jensen, Mimi Fox, Sherie Maricle, Grace Kelly, Sheryl Bailey, Curtis Stigers, Gail Pettis and Greta Matassa.

Holds an annual international jazz composition contest for women composers to encourage women to compose the highest possible quality jazz ensemble literature.

Hosts an after-school Girls Jazz Band program. Partners with Madison Middle School to mentor girls ages 12 and up who are developing jazz interpretation and improvisation skills. Culminates in a free joint concert for the general public. 

SWOJO has given clinics, workshops, jam sessions, and joint concerts to support public school jazz programs in Edmonds, Kent, Federal Way, Issaquah, Juanita, Seattle and South Whidbey.

Performs modern jazz, jazz standards and Latin music that appeals to the general public and all ages. Many concerts are presented free or deeply discounted for youth and those facing financial barriers to access the arts. 

Appeared at the Jazz Festival in Lima (Peru), Bumbershoot, Benaroya Hall, Earshot Jazz Festival, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, The Triple Door, Seattle Jazz Vespers, Kirkland Performance Center, Seattle Art Museum and Ballard Jazz Walk.

Released CDs on OA2 Records, Dreamcatcher (2004) and Meeting of the Waters (2007).

SWOJO's YouTube channel.