The Jazz Academy Orchestra (JAO)
The Jazz Academy Orchestra “JAO” is a large ensemble where students learn and perform the big band charts of Duke Ellington, Glen Miller and other writers of the big band era and beyond. It is a great evening program for young musicians grades 7th thorough 12th. Classes meet during the school year. There are two semester, Fall ( starts mid-September) and Winter (starts mid-January). Class sessions are bi-weekly on Wednesday at Sligo Middle School in Silver Spring, Maryland under the direction of Paul Carr. The Orchestra performs at various events in the D.C. Metropolitan area.

Program
The Orchestra will perform 2-3 times each semester at various venues around the Washington Metropolitan area. The Orchestra focus is on the straight-ahead jazz genre. The orchestra will be comprised of 18 – 20 instruments. In the past Jazz Academy students have performed at wonderful venues and events such as the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, East Cost Jazz Festival, Blues Alley Supper Club, The Big Band Bash on the Mall and the University of Maryland. The orchestras will be performing at similar events and venues in the coming year.
As with all Jazz Academy offerings, students will work with professional musicians to enhance their skills in the interpretation of the music.

Location
| Place | Sligo Middle School 1401 Dennis Ave Silver Spring, MD |
| Term | Fall: 9/26/2012-12/5/2012 Winter 1/16/2013 – 5/8/2013 |
| Performance Attire | Students must have:
The Jazz Academy will provide:
Students will wear the following for:
|



