The Surrey Jazz Orchestra
The SJO Big Band (Surrey Jazz Orchestra) is a 16 piece big band playing a varied and exciting selection of modern big band jazz. During many of their performances, the SJO Big Band are supported by some of the local leading vocalists, both male and female, singing a range of swing standards from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darren and Ella Fitzgerald.
The band started as the Addlestone Dance Orchestra in 1969, formed by a group of musicians who wanted to play their favourite type of music: Big Band Jazz. The guys got together to rehearse and play for fun – playing monthly for audiences that were keen followers to hear their favourite tunes from such bands as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and others of this ilk.
Now, FIFTY FIVE years on, the SJO still play tunes from some of these bands, but have also augmented their repertoire with modern arrangements from musicians such as Chick Corea ,Gordon Goodwin , Gerry Mulligan, Frank Mantooth, Herbie Hancock and Thad Jones
Having played all around the Surrey area during their 50 + years existence, the SJO now rehearse and perform on a monthly basis at Jacob's Well Village Hall (GU4 7PD) near Guildford - but are also available to perform at your favourite location if you want to book us!
The Surrey Jazz Orchestra
The SJO Big Band (Surrey Jazz Orchestra) is a 16 piece big band playing a varied and exciting selection of modern big band jazz. During many of their performances, the SJO Big Band are supported by some of the local leading vocalists, both male and female, singing a range of swing standards from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darren and Ella Fitzgerald.
The band started as the Addlestone Dance Orchestra in 1969, formed by a group of musicians who wanted to play their favourite type of music: Big Band Jazz. The guys got together to rehearse and play for fun – playing monthly for audiences that were keen followers to hear their favourite tunes from such bands as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and others of this ilk.
Now, FIFTY FIVE years on, the SJO still play tunes from some of these bands, but have also augmented their repertoire with modern arrangements from musicians such as Chick Corea ,Gordon Goodwin , Gerry Mulligan, Frank Mantooth, Herbie Hancock and Thad Jones
Having played all around the Surrey area during their 50 + years existence, the SJO now rehearse and perform on a monthly basis at Jacob's Well Village Hall (GU4 7PD) near Guildford - but are also available to perform at your favourite location if you want to book us!
Summer Break!
The SJO are taking a well deserved break in August 2024 - refreshing the parts that other bands can't reach!
We will be back as usual in September -- performing at Jacobs Well with the excellent vocal tones of Paul Hudson Oldnall singing all the Sinatra type favourites.
See the Concerts page for the full listing of our Autumn Program
Listen to Extracts from the Xmas Concert.
Christmas Concert 21st December 2021
Taking Care with Covid
As we all struggle with the increased demands of Covid the band are keen to keep playing.
However we do need to take precautions to minimise the risks for everybody so we do ask that you
wear masks when moving around the hall, and ideally that you take a lateral flow test on the day
of the Concert.
A Very Merry and Safe Xmas for all our Supporters!
Christmas Concert 21st December 2021
Taking Care with Covid
As we all struggle with the increased demands of Covid the band are keen to keep playing.
However we do need to take precautions to minimise the risks for everybody so we do ask that you
wear masks when moving around the hall, and ideally that you take a lateral flow test on the day
of the Concert.
A Very Merry and Safe Xmas for all our Supporters!
Xmas Wishes .... and here's to a better 2021!!
Well -- We are coming to the end of a turbulent year --and hope that as we get through 2021 we will be able to perform in public again.
We have managed some rehearsing in Sept/Oct --even playing Xmas songs in the first week of November before the last Lockdown! Now as a Tier 4 Area we have to wait again!
The Band hope that all of our supporters are staying safe and well and that
as soon as you are able that we will see you in Jacobs Well !
Have a terrific Xmas --Stay safe and keep the music swinging!
Pete and the SJO
Update -- August 2020
I regret to say that there is still no update or potential date when we might get back to playing.
Like you the guys in the band are frustrated and desperate to play -- at the moment we can't even rehearse!
I hope you are all staying safe and well - we look forward to when we can all get back together again and share some great musical experiences!
The Band
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COVID 19: Sadly like many of us we are unable to play music currently --either just for our own fun or to those of you that love to attend our concerts!
I know that it is a difficult time --but as soon as Government advice allows it we WILL be back playing for your entertainment and enjoyment.
Do stay safe and ensure that you come out of the other side of this pandemic safely.
We care and our grateful for your support.
The SJO Big Band
The SJO Big Band- Fantastic Live Music for Everyone!
The SJO Big Band (Surrey Jazz Orchestra) is a 16 piece big band playing a varied and exciting selection of modern big band jazz. During many of their performances, the SJO Big Band are supported by some of the local leading vocalists, both male and female, singing a range of swing standards from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darren and Ella Fitzgerald.
The band started as the Addlestone Dance Orchestra in 1969, formed by a group of musicians who wanted to play their favourite type of music: Big Band Jazz. The guys got together to rehearse and play for fun – playing monthly for audiences that were keen followers to hear their favourite tunes from such bands as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and others of this ilk. Now, FIFTY years on, the SJO still play tunes from some of these bands, but have also augmented their repertoire with modern arrangements from musicians such as Chick Corea ,Gordon Goodwin , Gerry Mulligan, Frank Mantooth, Herbie Hancock and Thad Jones Having played all around the Surrey area during their 50 years existence, the SJO now rehearse and perform on a monthly basis at Jacob's Well Village Hall in Guildford - but are also available to perform elsewhere. |
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