Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra

The Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) provides opportunities for talented high school age musicians to further their experience in America's classical music -- jazz.

Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from Central Ohio and beyond, the CYJO has a 30-week season during the school year, and performs at the Southern Theatre prior to each of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra's Sunday matinee concerts. The CYJO plays literature of the highest level, and repertoire comes from libraries of the great big bands, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Oliver Nelson, Dizzy Gillespie and many more.

In 2002 the CYJO was selected as one of fifteen national finalists for the prestigious "Essentially Ellington" high school jazz band competition and festival at New York City's Lincoln Center.

Featured in numerous festivals, concerts, and on National Public Radio, the CYJO has been privileged to work with the finest local jazz artists and educators either as clinicians or guest soloists, including Wynton Marsalis, Wess Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, and Ron Carter.