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About Us

Started in 2004, the Portland Jazz Orchestra is Maine’s premier concert jazz ensemble.

Under the direction of Dr. Chris Oberholtzer, this 18-piece jazz ensemble performs a variety of traditional and contemporary big band literature. The PJO enjoys playing works written by members such as Craig Skeffington, Willie Johnson, Chris Humphrey and Terry White in addition to literature composed by a variety of jazz artists including Tom Kubis, Matt Harris, Bob Mintzer, Bill Holman and Maria Schneider. The PJO also enjoys playing classic works from the big band libraries of Count Basie, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton.

The PJO is made up of professional musicians, many of whom are both performers and educators in New England. Members of the PJO have performed, recorded and toured with numerous artists including: Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Bob Mintzer, Marvin Stamm, Barry Manilow, Roberta Flack, the Temptations, the Artie Shaw Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

In 2008 and 2009 the PJO was nominated for “Best Jazz Act” in the Portland Phoenix. In keeping with our educational background, the Portland Jazz Orchestra is available for clinics and performances throughout northern New England.

Artistic Director Dr. Chris Oberholtzer

Dr. Christopher Oberholtzer, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern Maine, completed his Doctor of Arts degree in Trombone Performance/Pedagogy with a Secondary Emphasis in Jazz Pedagogy at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. Chris earned his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies with a Cognate Field of Trombone Performance from Indiana University, Bloomington, and his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine, Gorham.

Band Members

KATIE OBERHOLTZER
Vocals

CHRIS OBERHOLTZER
Artistic Director/Trombone

JIM ROBBINS
Trombone

MARK MANDUCA
Trombone

TOM MICHAUD
Bass Trombone

JOHN FOSS
Lead Trumpet

CRAIG SKEFFINGTON
Trumpet

CHRIS MARSH
Trumpet

CLIFF BIGONY
Trumpet

NATE JORGENSEN
Alto Saxophone

BEN APPEL
Alto Saxophone

MIKE SAKASH
Tenor Saxophone

ANDREW HALCHAK
Tenor Saxophone

LARRY WILLIAMS
Baritone Saxophone

JAKE STURTEVANT
Piano

MIKE SAKASH
Tenor Saxophone

SAM SHERRY
Bass

BRAD CIECHOMSKI
Drums