Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra

The Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra was formed in January 2023 specifically for the Girls in Jazz Workshop put together by the Women Band Directors International – Alberta Chapter. The workshop was a huge success and included an all-female staff working with 92 women ranging in age from 12 to 80+, all coming together to play and learn more about jazz.

Directed by Kathie Van Lare, a long-time music educator in the Calgary area, the Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra is comprised of many of the finest female instrumental musicians in Calgary and beyond. Their sold-out concert this past January was held at the National Music Centre and featured very special guest artists Christine and Ingrid Jensen. It sounded so amazing and so much fun was had by everyone involved the Orchestra is now ongoing.

The CWJO enjoys playing beautiful music written by female composers and arrangers, including the music of some of their members. Ultimately, they hope to see more women and more gender diversity on the jazz stages of the future.

The Orchestra will also be featured in the second Girls in Jazz workshop and concert that will be held at Lord Beaverbrook High School on January 27, 2024. The special guest artists for that show will include Vancouver bassist Jodi Proznick and Edmonton trombonist Audrey Ochoa.

2 Shows November 12, 2023! Noon and 7:30pm

Director

Kathie Van Lare
Saxophones

Erin Ellies
Shannon Fehr
Barb Hume
Sarah Matheson
Holly Sangster
Trumpets

Natalie DeJong
Trudy Fossey
Leanne Paisley
Debbie Rich
Trombones

Lurene Bates
Taylor Berry
Jane Dobbs
Lilac Gilad
Piano

Michelle Gregoire
Lorna MacLachlan
Bass

Shari Rae
Drums and Percussion

Chantal Broderick
Celene Yohemas

JazzYYC Canadian festival November 9-12, 2023