raising the next generation of inspired jazz musicians
Elevate is the Calgary Jazz Orchestra's education branch. Its aim is to promote jazz culture, music, and education to inspire passion and appreciation for jazz music's complexity, beauty, and significance among people of all ages.
The program explicitly seeks to keep jazz music exciting and relevant for upcoming generations here in Calgary and beyond. We provide experiences beyond traditional clinic/workshop models by fostering relationships founded on an appreciation for the jazz art form.
The Elevate program aims to expose promising young musicians to essential topics in jazz performance. The Calgary Jazz Orchestra's Artistic Director, Johnny Summers, and senior members from the CJO guide program members with engaging and supportive instruction and mentorship.
We invite emerging musicians aged 18-25 to apply for the 2024/2025 season ensemble.
apply now
elevate program
2024 ensemble application
Full name:
email address:
Instrument:
describe your experience:
are you interested in a summer session, if available?
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thank you for submitting an application for the CALGARY JAZZ ORCHESTRA 2024 elevate ensemble
Our team will review your submission and reach out to notify you of your application status and/or other opportunities shortly.
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elevate program topics
improve skills through jam sessions and call-and-response activities
Jazz improvisation
IMPROVE TONE AND APPROACH TO RHYTHMIC, MELODIC, AND HARMONIC IMPROVISATION
Jazz improvisation
DEVELOP JAZZ SOUND, ARTICULATION,
AND LANGUAGE
SKILL & TECHNIQUE
DEVELOP STRATEGIES FOR APPROACHING CHORD CHANGES AND IMPROVE THE USE OF SCALES AND PATTERNS TO BUILD SOLOS
SKILL & TECHNIQUE
DEVELOP ACTIVE LISTENING TO IMPROVE TONE, LANGUAGE, ARTICULATION, AND INFLECTION
Jazz Listening
LEARN TO BECOME A BETTER ENSEMBLE PLAYER BY IMPROVING SIGHT READING, SIGHT SINGING, PLUS DEVELOP SECTION TUNING, BLEND, AND BALANCE
ENSEMBLE SKILLS
HOW AND WHY TO TRANSCRIBE JAZZ MUSIC
JAZZ TRANSCRIPTIONS
LEARN TO OVERCOME PERFORMANCE ANXIETY BY PROJECTING CONFIDENCE THROUGH YOUR INSTRUMENT
Jazz performance
HOW TO ARRANGE COMBO CHARTS
Jazz Arranging
LEARN TO MARKET EVENTS AND DEVELOP THE BUSINESS PRACTICES THAT MAKE OUR CJO MEMBERS SO SUCCESSFUL
Music marketing
Concerts
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11
art of romance, ART OF SOUL WITH STRINGS
Experience music from the Great American Songbook, Motown, to modern soul hits.
PURCHASE TICKETS
SUNDAY, april 14
the marvelous mr. mingus & taiko suite
Infusing jazz orchestra and taiko drums. Be immersed with energetic, soul-filling grooves and melodies.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Wednesday, June 19
goin' down to new orleans & even we, get the blues
Experience the rich musical history of New Orleans and get into the blues with special guests.
PURCHASE TICKETS
explore
VIEW PREVIOUS CONCERTS AND EVENTS, PLUS GO DEEPER INTO THE MUSIC WITH curated PLAYLISTS
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join the party
donate to the calgary jazz orchestra society
help us keep the music playing
Giving financially to the Calgary Jazz Orchestra (CJO) is a powerful way for individuals to contribute to the vitality of Calgary’s cultural scene. Even modest contributions make a significant impact by enabling the CJO to continue presenting world-class jazz performances, fostering musical education initiatives, and engaging with diverse communities. Donors who contribute $500 or more will receive complimentary concert refreshments for the remainder of the 2023/2024 season and be listed on our website.
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learn more about partnership
purchase gold tickets or donate to
get exclusive
vip room access
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book gold tickets
become a donor
list gold ticket locations here.
meet our music/artistic director
Johnny
summers
Johnny Summers, Director and Founder of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, is a vocalist, trumpeter, arranger, composer, director, and educator.
“One of our greatest joys as performers is to dream and create these shows for you. To present a huge range of what music has to offer and our passion for it. All of us together, in a beautiful room, bathed in light and the soul of sound, enjoying laughter, art, and community in a shared experience.”
new single
my one and only love
Performed by the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, arranged, orchestrated and produced by Johnny Summers, to feature our own Richard Harding on saxophone.
listen on apple music
listen on spotify
holiday single
let's do it again, this christmas
Presenting a special edition original Christmas single with fun, old-school Motown vibes by Johnny Summers with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra.
listen on apple music
listen on spotify
discover
contemporary arrangements of new and classic popular jazz music by the calgary jazz orchestra and johnny summers
listen & watch
CJO special events
let's put on a great show
together
Whether you desire the grandeur of a full orchestra performance or the intimate charm of a smaller ensemble, we offer bespoke musical experiences tailored to your unique event. From captivating your guests with soulful melodies to energizing the atmosphere with infectious rhythms, let us craft the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable occasion.
Explore our educational performance programs through Elevate Music and embark on a journey of musical enrichment.
Contact us today, and together, let's create a captivating show that transcends expectations and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Take your event to unparalleled heights with the exquisite sounds of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra
book the cjo
society
The Calgary Jazz Orchestra Society is a charitable organization in Canada, on a mission to create an inclusive and vibrant cultural space in Calgary. We are looking for committed directors, officers, and committee members who will help us grow our concert series, Elevate Music program, and provide extraordinary experiences for the people of Calgary and beyond.
Your creativity, ideas, partnerships and financial support will enable us to make this a reality. Join us today and be part of this amazing journey!
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