The Empire Jazz Orchestra is a professional jazz ensemble in residence at Schenectady County Community College. Founded in 1992, the EJO is dedicated to the performance of quality ensemble music from all eras of jazz. The orchestra is comprised of many of the Capital Region's finest professional musicians. The EJO also features major jazz artists as guest soloists. Recent guest artists have included Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Nick Brignola, former Blood Sweat and Tears trumpeter Lew Soloff, The Four Freshmen, and Saxophonist Mark Vinci.

Repertoire of the EJO ranges from early works of Jelly Roll Morton and Joe "King" Oliver to the commissioning of new music for big band. The orchestra is especially noted for its performances of original scores of important composers and arrangers such as Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Charles Mingus, Oliver Nelson, and numerous others. The EJO presented the world premiere of "Nautilus" by renowned composer Bill Holman, featuring Nick Brignola as soloist.

1992

The EJO gives its first performance, as an octet, presenting a children’s jazz concert at "A Place for Jazz."

The EJO octet performs a regular series concert at "A Place for Jazz."

1993

The Empire Jazz Orchestra is expanded to a full-sized big band and begins to present two annual concerts at Schenectady County Community College.

1994

SCCC names the Empire Jazz Orchestra "Jazz Orchestra in Residence."

1994-1995

The EJO presents diverse concerts including:

"A Tribute to Duke and Strays"
"Adventures fo Big Band"
"The Unknown Strayhorn"
"American Royalty, the Music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington"

1996

Trumpter Lew Soloff performs as guest artist on the program, "Miles Ahead, The Music of Gil Evans"

1997

The EJO performs the premier of "Nautilus" by Bill Holman, featuring Nick Brignola on baritone and soprano saxophones.

1998

Guest artist Mark Vinci, saxophones, performs "A Tribute to Bird" by Lennie Niehaus with the EJO.

1999

The Jazz Orchestra Releases its first CD, Live and Kickin’ featuring music by Lennie Niehaus, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Jim Corigliano, others.

The EJO performs "Ellington at 100" in celebration of Duke Ellington’s Centennial.

2000

The EJO releases its second CD The EJO Plays Ellington.

Benny Golson is the inaugural guest artist in the new EJO "Jazz Masters" concert series.

2001

The Four Freshmen perform with the EJO.

Jimmie Heath performs with the EJO in the "Jazz Masters" series.

2003

EJO performs its Tenth Anniversary, followed by the release of a third CD, Anniversary.

Slide Hampton performs as guest in "Jazz Masters" Series.

2004

Wycliffe Gordon performs as guest in the "Jazz Masters" series.

2005

Guest soloist Randy Brecker, trumpet, performs with the EJO.

"Capital Region's Best Big Band 2000."

"Two great CDs and a bunch of brilliant and wildly eclectic live performances."

"The Empire Jazz Orchestra has been winning regular rave reviews for its performances of new and vintage jazz works."

- Metroland Magazine

"The Empire Jazz Orchestra has set and maintained a high standard of performance."

"The EJO is one of the musical treasures of the Capital region."

"...the band's fall concert had many in the full house shaking their heads at the breadth and abilty of the EJO."

- The Daily Gazette

"The EJO sounds wonderful! What especially distinguishes the band is it's innovative and interesting programming."

- Lew Soloff, international trumpet artist, formerly of "Blood Sweat and Tears"

"The EJO performs important music with great musicianship!"

- Nick Brignola, woodwind artist, "Downbeat" Poll Winner

"The EJO played my music very well. It was a love fest!"

- Jimmy Heath