Sunday, October 27
Combo Showcase (General, Legacy & Advanced Combos)
Burlingame Space NO capacity for audience due to large combo sizes. Combos will play for each other for this early show.
7pm-9pm
Sunday, November 17
Michelle Medler Quartet and the General Combo
Aztec Willie's 1501 NE Broadway St. PDX
6-8pm
Friday, December 6
Combo Showcase (Legacy & Advanced Combos)
Burlingame Space
7pm-9pm
Monday, December 9
Fall Session Show
(New Cats, General Big Band, Vanguard Big Band, Legacy Combo)
Location to be determined
7pm
7pm
Winter Session 2025
New Cats Big Band
Wednesdays 7:30-9pm
Jan 8 - Mar 5
Concert Mar 10 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm
General Combo
Mondays 5:30-7pm
Jan 6 - Mar 3
Concerts: Mar 10 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm (Other shows TBA)
General Level Big Band
Thursdays 7:30-9pm
Jan 2 - Mar 6 (No class on 2/20 due to PDX Jazz fest at Bspace)
Concert Mar 10 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm
Legacy Combo
Tuesdays 5:30-7pm
Jan 7 - Mar 4
Concerts: TBA at Burlingame Space
PYJO Advanced Combo
Mondays 7:30-9pm
Jan 6 - Mar 3
Concerts: TBA at Burlingame Space
Vanguard Big Band
Tuesdays 7:30-9pm
Jan 7 - Mar 4
Concert Mar 10 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm (more shows TBA)
New Cats Level
The level of this class is intermediate. Students of all ages with knowledge of scales and intermediate music reading skills are welcome. A great place for those new to the PYJO program or with little experience in Jazz and improvisation. We are always excited to add new musicians to the program. Students often spend 1-2 years in this class as they build their Jazz vocabulary skills.
If you are unsure which level, simply check in by email to determine New Cats vs General. If you want to learn, we want you to participate!
General Level
The general level classes are intermediate to advanced. Students of all ages with memorized scales and strong music reading skills are welcome.The General Big Band needs to have strong readers so that we have time to work on improvisation and written music. The General Combo is better for those who play well by ear and are working on their reading skills. Experienced musicians who have taken a break and are looking to get back into playing will also be a good fit. We are always excited to add new musicians to the program. If you are new to us, and unsure which level, simply check in by email to determine which class is best.*Please note that the General level classes require instructor approval or audition.
Legacy & Advanced Combos
These top level combos are advanced and open to all ages (typically upper high school to adult). Legacy Combo students should expect a deep study of solo transcriptions, vocabulary in 12 keys and advanced improvisation concepts. The advanced combo is typically at the professional level comprised of mainly adult students who are expected to be able to sightread charts and chord changes and work quickly through material. Placement or audition required. Please contact us if you are interested.
Vanguard Level
PYJO Vanguard members are a mixture of PYJO alumni, professionals, band directors, college students. The music is on a pro level, solo concepts are advanced and presented quickly, strong sightreading skills required.
Self-Paced Video Learning
You can also sign up for Self-Paced Video Learning. Topics such as tune learning skills, improvisation concepts, theory topics, groove etc will be included. via archives from our spring and summer classes. Students can pick level appropriate challenges and work at their own pace. Questions can be emailed in.
New Students
LEARN to PLAY it, HEAR it, TEACH it!
Returning Students
Easy Registration here!!
Beyond just musicians, PYJO alumni have branched out to many fields in music: College music professors, ethnomusicologists, radio hosts, band directors, private music instructors, touring musicians, L.A. studio musicians, composers, arrangers, booking agents, software developers, bandleaders, studio engineers & more. Not to mention the doctors, rocket scientists & others who still play music to relax!
"Ben, I wanted to let you know that Noah is doing great at UW(ashington). He has so much confidence performing thanks to you and Michelle. You really changed his life and we are all very grateful." Lissa K.-PYJO Parent
Links to Videos and mp3 of PYJO bands, summer bands, combos etc.
Rehearsals, Lessons, Recitals & Meeting Space. Rental Available!
Click here for current concert info.
All Levels - Beginners to Professionals!
Founded The Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2001.
