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The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) was founded in 1990 with an appropriation from the U.S. Congress in recognition of the importance of jazz in American culture. Since then, the SJMO has preserved, promoted, and presented the heritage of jazz in scores of concerts and programs that span the whole continuum of the art form. Concerts feature transcribed classics, new arrangements, and commissioned works that illuminate the contributions of composers and creators from small ensembles to jazz masters. The orchestra also offers a suite of master classes, workshops, and other educational programs to support up-and-coming musicians, singers, composers, and band leaders.
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The SJMO closed the Museum's successful World War II Memorial dedication festival on May 29, 2004, with a concert that featured the big band sounds of Glenn Miller, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington, and the wonderful dance company GottaSwing.
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In 2002, the orchestra was presented with the Washington, D.C., Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in an Artistic Discipline. The award is the most prestigious honor in the arts conferred by the District of Columbia on individual artists, organizations, and patrons of the arts. Artistic and Musical Director David N. Baker—a renowned educator, composer, performer, author, and conductor—leads the 17-piece big band, which is the orchestra-in-residence at the National Museum of American History.
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Contact
E-mail: Contact form
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