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The Dallas Jazz Orchestra seeks to educate our community, promote young musicians and create enjoyment in music that is truly an American original: JAZZ!

In October of 2003, The Dallas Jazz Orchestra celebrated its 30th anniversary as the “jazz ambassador to the world” for the City of Dallas. Throughout the years, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra has experienced multiple successes. Examples include performances at the world famous Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and representing the United States at the World’s Fair in Seville, Spain. It has also entertained two United States presidents and accompanied numerous musical celebrities—including Dianne Carroll, Billy Eckstine, Doc Severinsen, Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Mel Torme, Joe Williams and the Four Freshmen. George Bush remarked, “Your music was great; and, now that I have your sixth album and cassette, it doesn’t have to end.” Billy Eckstine exclaimed, “I’ve worked with practically every big orchestra you can name…. The Dallas Jazz Orchestra was the big hit of the show (jazz festival), one of the big surprises. The orchestra was absolutely fantastic.”

It all began in October 1973 as Thomas Mason and Galen Jeter brought together some of the best musicians of Dallas to form the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. With no outside funding, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra played its first public concert in March 1974. The group’s first album was recorded live at “Maxine Kent’s” in 1975. The second album, also cut live at “Maxine Kent’s,” was produced in 1978. That same year Galen moved the Dallas Jazz Orchestra into Wayne Morgan’s “Popsicle Toes” where it played weekly for many years. Under Galen’s leadership the Dallas Jazz Orchestra produced several additional albums that are programmed on more than 100 radio stations throughout the United States. Two of those were nominated for Grammy Awards. Over three decades, Galen invited hundreds of young talented musicians to join the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. While playing with the band many of them would develop their musical skills to such a high level they would be welcomed by well-known jazz greats such as Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Ramsey Lewis, and Stan Kenton.

Since its inception the Dallas Jazz Orchestra has conducted many community outreach and educational programs such as the Black Arts Renaissance and The Dallas 500 Artfest. Under new leadership, it plans to continue a tradition of musical excellence as it inspires high school and college musicians with a performing group composed of outstanding professional musicians. Under the leadership of a newly organized Board of Directors, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra will continue that tradition into the future.

2005 performance information is available on the Dallas Jazz Orchestra Website, djo.org or the Dallas Jazz Orchestra office number, 214-521-8816.