Nineteen

Saturday, August 13, 2011 | Bella Mia Stage | 12pm

Nineteen (formerly the West Valley Jazz Orchestra) is a premier ensemble of local professional musicians with a 25-year tradition of playing the best in big-band jazz. The 19 musicians in the orchestra represent a cross-section of Silicon Valley. Not only are they professional musicians, but also music teachers, engineers, marketers, and even the CEO of a local startup. Many are SJSU graduates and alumni of local high schools such as Lincoln, Prospect, Piedmont Hills, Fremont, Westmont, Andrew Hill, and Pleasanton. The orchestra uses these high school ties to enhance the education programs of San Jose Jazz.

In addition to international talent, the orchestra has also regularly showcased the Bay Area's most musically gifted residents such as Aaron Lington, Wayne Wallace, Hafez Modirzeh, Dave Eschelman, Madeleine Eastman, and Jamie Davis. The group performs in an acclaimed Guest Artist Concert Series, now in its ninth year, and in special events throughout Silicon Valley. The orchestra also supports the educational mission of San Jose Jazz through outreach programs at local schools.