Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra Benefit Concert

November 13, 2015

Doors Open: 6:15pm
Event Begins: 7pm
Event Website: pyjo.com

It started with a project put on by the Jazz Society of Oregon, bringing Duke Ellington’s son, Mercer to Portland. He wanted to work with an all-star group of Jazz students and put on a show at the Schnitzer. Ben & Michelle Medler were asked to front the project. As artists in residence at Wilson HS 1994-2001, they fostered an award-winning band program with 3 Jazz bands. This show with Mercer Ellington was a catalyst for them forming what is now the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra. PYJO filled a need in Portland as a place for serious music students to grow.

With advice from mentor’s Clarence Acox and Scott Brown (from Seattle’s prestigious Jazz programs at Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools), the Medler’s created a teaching style that gets results by demanding creativity from the entire band through kindness and nurturing (as opposed to the approach glorified in the popular movie “Whiplash”). This approach kindles a spark within the students, letting music be a part of their lives whether they continue on as musicians or choose another career.

Ben & Michelle Medler both enjoy thriving music careers outside of teaching. They have created 7 albums under their own record label, Shoo-wah Records. Between them play an entire band full of instruments: Vocals, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Trombone, Trumpet, Bass, Piano, and Drums. Simultaneous to recording and performing in many bands over the years, the Medlers have mushroomed the PYJO music program from 1 all-star band to 6 ensembles that encompass students ages 9 - adult.

In the 2015-16 season, PYJO will be celebrating it’s 15th Anniversary. Their annual fundraising concert & silent auction is on Friday, November 13th, 2015 at Central Lutheran Church . A special reunion band of PYJO Alumni will be headlining the show.

Tickets Non Refundable