Why WJO?

The WJO was started in 2009 by Mark Van Cleave. Mark put together the Mark Van Cleave Jazz Orchestra together in order to perform free community concerts, promote big band jazz music, and also to be available for fund raisers for community minded organizations and causes. There is a tremendous need for helping groups and organizations to raise funds and resources for the many needy causes that exist all over the world!

It became obvious to Mark that this type of outreach can also be a very powerful tool for bringing people together to work toward a common goal that otherwise would never have a reason to do so. Music is a universal language that can connect people in very deep and personal ways. When musicians come together to work towards a common cause and to produce a universal product such as music, it has an almost healing nature to it.

The WJO tries to promote the idea of "THINK GLOBALLY. ACT LOCALLY." Everyone has gifts that can be used to better humanity. As jazz musicians, we are using our gifts of music and jazz to positively affect the world one note at a time.

Who is WJO?

WJO is the brainchild of jazz trumpeter and band leader Mark Van Cleave. Mark got started playing jazz concerts for benefits in his local community which included fund raisers and other worthy causes. With the help of fellow musicians and trumpet players Harold Liechty and Mark Snow (and many more), the WJO vision started to take shape.

The WJO is made up of musicians from all over the world that have a common vision for global outreach. Using our unique gift of jazz music to help elevate humanity through teaching, performing, and fund raising.

Why Jazz?

Jazz has always had an international flavor to it. The individualism and personal expressiveness that exists in jazz makes it a wonderful musical vehicle for communication that effortlessly crosses over all cultural and language barriers.