The History of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra
How it all started…
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (CJO) traces its roots back to 1983, when it was originally founded as the North Coast Jazz Orchestra. The group rehearsed nearly every Monday night, performing publicly only on occasion. Under the leadership of Len Orcino, rehearsals initially took place at Joey’s on Cleveland’s East Side. Behind the scenes, Rick Endress played a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating the orchestra's activities. Shortly afterward, rehearsals relocated to the Lithuanian Club on East 185th Street.
That same year, Gary Scott arrived in Cleveland after meeting Al Blaser at the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan over the summer. Al had encouraged Gary to come to Cleveland, noting the city’s need for a new lead trumpet player as Joe Trzcinski was stepping back. While a few other young trumpet players had come through Cleveland, they often left for opportunities elsewhere. Gary’s first year in Cleveland saw him substitute teaching frequently, and he also played daily with the second Cleveland State University band under my direction, as its rehearsals conveniently took place at 4:00 PM.
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra emerged as a continuation of the North Coast Jazz Orchestra, with a few lineup changes and Gary Scott assuming a leadership role. John Sayre, an early supporter, advocated for the group to become a nonprofit organization, which would unlock access to grants and other funding opportunities. Gary acted on this advice, establishing the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra as a nonprofit and retiring the North Coast name.
At the time (1984-85), the group rehearsed at Case Western Reserve University, where Steve Miller generously allowed us to rehearse. During this period, the ensemble also performed informal gigs at the Rascal House, trading their talents for pizza and beer.
In the fall of 1985, Gary Scott took a position at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), and the CJO shifted its Monday rehearsals and some performances to Tri-C Metro. From 1986 to 1989, a smaller subset of the group performed as the Cleveland Browns Big Band, led by Gary Scott. This ensemble played before and after Cleveland Browns games, as well as during quarter breaks.
The CJO matured significantly with the appointment of Roland Paolucci as its first formal conductor. Under Roland's leadership, the orchestra established a Season Series with themed concerts, elevating its musicality and solidifying its role in Northeast Ohio’s cultural fabric. Concert venues diversified during Roland’s tenure, with performances held at various Tri-C campuses and, notably, at Fairmount Temple.
When Roland retired, the baton passed to Jack Schantz, a longtime member of the CJO. Jack’s 17-year tenure firmly defined the CJO as a unique ensemble in the United States, known for its focus on music by jazz’s greatest composers and its commitment to original compositions. This era marked the beginning of a tradition of featuring rare and unique works, as well as music composed by the orchestra’s own members.
In 2009, Sean Jones, a celebrated trumpeter and CJO alumnus, took over leadership. During Sean’s tenure, the orchestra moved its concerts to prominent venues such as Playhouse Square and The Bop Stop. Sean’s exceptional musicianship brought new energy to the group, and composer Paul Ferguson became an increasingly significant contributor to the orchestra’s repertoire.
Paul Ferguson succeeded Sean as CJO’s leader in 2015. His prolific output as a composer and arranger has given the ensemble an unmistakable voice. In recent years, CJO members have contributed more extensively to the orchestra’s repertoire, ensuring its continued evolution and relevance in the jazz world.
From its humble beginnings as the North Coast Jazz Orchestra to its current status as a vital force in American jazz, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra remains a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and community.
