The Springfield Symphony Orchestra proposes to undertake the creation of The Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra (SSJO), a professional 17-piece jazz band that will function under the administration and governance auspices of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO).

The SSJO will perform two concerts annually in the newly-renovated John Legend Theater with a third concert at the Summer Arts Festival, initially in a joint performance with the SSO under the baton of Music Director Peter Stafford Wilson.  Additionally, the SSJO will perform educational concerts for the students of Springfield City Schools and surrounding Clark County districts on the days prior to each regularly-scheduled concert.

Springfield native Todd Stoll will serve as Artistic Director.   Stoll is a North High School graduate, and an alumnus of the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra.  While his deep community ties are a distinct asset, his current role as Vice President of Education for Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, the world’s largest institution dedicated to promoting and presenting jazz, brings enormous expertise and influence to the initiative. The implicit relationship with Jazz at Lincoln Center will afford the SSJO (and SSO) the opportunity to leverage their media presence, increase available resources, and access programming on a national level. This affiliation, much like our educational alliance with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute adds significant distinction and endorsement to our programming.

Mr. Stoll will choose members of the SSJO through open regional auditions, within the guidelines of American Federation of Musicians Local 160. Initially, the SSJO will function under the terms of the current CBA with Local 160, adjusting the per-service compensation rates to secure the optimum regional talent.  Union approval has already been secured.   The SSJO will be fully integrated by race, gender, and age, prioritizing outreach and audience development to diverse communities that do not normally attend SSO concerts.  The SSJO will increase the reach in audience for the SSO and it will also contribute to the continued cultural vibrancy of the region, building a diverse portfolio of arts offerings.  The SSJO will also enhance the educational offerings of the SSO.