ORANGEVILLE JAZZ SOCIETY

The Jazz Society’s mission is to provide a creative outlet for musicians to explore ideas in an ensemble setting and bring the power of the Big Band to audiences that may have never experienced the sheer force of an 18-piece ensemble. Through classic arrangements and improvisatory soloing, members hone their craft, supported by constructive and collaborative feedback. Whether players are seeking a more advanced challenge or coming back to their instrument after a long hiatus, the Jazz Society fosters a community united by a love for jazz and the iconic bands and arrangers that defined the genre.

The band first made its swinging debut as the Jazz Society ‘Little’ Big Band at the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival’s February Blues Bash, captivating the audience with original charts and stellar soloing and has been a presence in the Orangeville area since. Founded in 2011, the Jazz Society emerged from a passionate group of musicians who had collaborated informally for several years, augmenting the Orangeville District Secondary School Jazz Band for rehearsals and local gigs. The band held its first rehearsals as the Jazz Society in 2013 under the artistic direction of Ryan Grist and has since become a cornerstone of Orangeville’s music scene, dedicated to promoting the appreciation, education, and performance of jazz music.

Today, the 18-piece ensemble continues to thrill at venues like the Orangeville Opera House, most recently with special guests Nicholas Mustapha and vocalist John Amato, as seen at the 2025 Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. (If you caught that performance, you know!). The Jazz Society is committed to continuing and delivering both classic and contemporary jazz music to the community through the big band ensemble.