The Durham Jazz (DJ) Organization was founded in 2009. Originally DJ only offered a 16 piece jazz ensemble at the elementary age group. In our inaugural year we focused on participating in community events and local band festivals. As our members grew we kept getting requests to create another band. As the need to expand was clear in order to meet our member’s needs, in 2013 we added our Intermediate Band. This was the first opportunity for high school students to audition for DJ. 2015, brought the addition of the Senior band as well as a Jazz Combo. In 2016, DJ added a Vocal Jazz ensemble for the first time. In 2020, Durham Jazz was incorporated and in 2021 Durham Jazz became a registered charity. Exciting things lie ahead for Durham Jazz.

Over the years, DJ has travelled all over Canada and the United States playing in festivals and music tours. In the past we have travelled to Vancouver, BC (2011), Banff, AB (2012), Halifax, NS & Ottawa, ON (2013), Banff, AB (2014), New York City, NY (2015), Denver/Boulder, CO (2016), Montreal/Ottawa, QC/ON (2017), Banff (2018), & Barcelona & Valencia, Spain (2019). We look forward to exploring our own backyard in our 13th season with more local travel.

DJ continues to support its members in their future goals in music after they leave our organization and have alumni all over North America studying music both post secondary and at the Masters level, as well as seeking out many performing opportunities in their communities.