WJO in the USA

2009 has been a good year with many opportunities for benefits, fund raisers, etc. The WJO has been involved in raising money for food banks, public radio stations, churches, and we also had an opportunity to be a part of the 163 airborne division's Christmas celebration.


18 trumpets on the big Hey Jude ending at the Maynard Ferguson Birthday Tribute concert to raise needed funds for the Snider H.S. music dept. The concert was a real BLAST!

The WJO will also be sponsoring a Big Band Jazz Festival (June, 26th 2010) that will bring together approximately 100 big band musicians for a one day celebration of big band jazz music that will be FREE to the public in Fort Wayne, IN.

WJO in China

WJO sponsored Mark Van Cleave to go to China to perform and teach jazz to many fine musicians that are new to jazz and big band jazz especially. Mark says "music is such a great way to connect people from different parts of the world! Even though we did not speak each other's language, we all spoke the common language of music!"

Mark organized the FIRST Big Band EVER at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing!  In three short rehearsals, they put together a nice concert with the newly formed student big band that even included some jazz improvisation from these talented students.

Mark also had the chance to work with the Beijing Army Big Band.  A talented group of players with a lot of energy!

Mark also had the opportunity to organize the new Beijing Jazz Orchestra. They prepared some TOUGH material for various concerts in the Beijing area. Many Maynard Ferguson, Buddy rich and Woody Herman arrangements were played very well by the band!

Mark and new friends after the CD Jazz Club performance in Beijing.