SouthCoast Jazz Orchestra

The Southcoast Jazz Orchestra is a new 17-piece big band made up of some of the best local performers and music educators in southeastern Massachusetts.

The Southcoast Jazz Orchestra (SJO) was founded in early 2009 by trumpeter Bob Williamson and drummer Neil Sylvia. The SJO began rehearsals at the Symphony Shop in Dartmouth, MA, in March 2009 and made their first appearance at the Mattapoisett Town Wharf Seaport Concert Series in July 2009.

The professional musicians and music educators of the SJO have played together in various orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, quartets, and quintets over the past 3 decades.

The SJO is a traditional seventeen-member jazz band with trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section. The origin of this type of jazz ensemble can be traced all the way back to the 1930s and the Swing Era. While the terms "jazz orchestra" & "jazz band" are used to describe jazz bands, it is common for jazz orchestras to occasionally add vocals or additional instruments (such as strings, french horn, vibraphone, etc.) to enhance their sound on stage or while recording in the studio.

The SJO members who played at the July 2009 Mattapoisett concert included: alto saxophonists Billy Thompson & Sean Packard; tenor saxophonists Rick Britto & Chris Williamson; baritone saxophonist Karen Sanborn; trombonists Phil Sanborn, Dr. Mike Rocha, Karin Kingsland, & Travis Blischke; trumpeters Bob Williamson, Bill Fanning, Dan Lasdow, & Taryn Smith; pianist Matt Richard; guitarist Koby Williamson; bass guitarist Dave Gries; and drummer Neil Sylvia.

	Slideshow: SouthCoast Jazz Orchestra - 4 Photos

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94 State Road (Route 6), North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: 508-996-3301   •   Fax: 508-996-3302
Email: symshop@symphonymusicshop.com