Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra
The Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) provides opportunities for talented high school age musicians to further their experience in America's classical music -- jazz.
Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from Central Ohio and beyond, the CYJO has a 30-week season during the school year, and performs at the Southern Theatre prior to each of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra's Sunday matinee concerts. The CYJO plays literature of the highest level, and repertoire comes from libraries of the great big bands, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Oliver Nelson, Dizzy Gillespie and many more.
In 2002 the CYJO was selected as one of fifteen national finalists for the prestigious "Essentially Ellington" high school jazz band competition and festival at New York City's Lincoln Center.
Featured in numerous festivals, concerts, and on National Public Radio, the CYJO has been privileged to work with the finest local jazz artists and educators either as clinicians or guest soloists, including Wynton Marsalis, Wess Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, and Ron Carter.
2008-2009 CYJO
Todd A. Stoll, Director
Todd Stoll has been a leading advocate in jazz education for more than 20 years. As a performer, bandleader, educator and archivist he has dedicated his career to expanding the awareness of jazz for students and the general public alike. Currently, Stoll hold the position of High School Music Curriculum Coordinator for Westerville City Schools and teaches both instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles. His ensembles have garnered numerous awards at festivals and competitions throughout the U.S. and he holds the distinction of being the only director to have two separate bands selected as finalists for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s prestigious Essentially Ellington Competition. As founder and leader of the CYJO, Stoll has led the ensemble on several International tours in both Europe and South America, self-produced 6 CDs, and collaborated with many renowned jazz artists including Clark Terry, John Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Wess Warmdaddy Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis and CJO Artistic Director Byron Stripling.
2008-2009 CYJO Roster
Robert Dove
Jacob Eidelberg
Jake Earl
Wes Perry
Hayden Huffman
Tyler Bennett
Jonathon Jenning
Brian Rhodus
Sam Muccio
Steve Angles
David Fletcher
Mark Kilanowski
Joe Van Fossen
Trumpet
Chris Danforth
Kyle Foster
Kyle Granville
Ian Harrah
Greg Taylor
The Youth Jazz Program is the result of collaboration between the Columbus Department of Recreation & Parks and the Jazz Arts Group.