ABOUT
WHO WE ARE
JAZZ HOUSTON’S SMALL, DEDICATED STAFF BELIEVES OUR COMMUNITY IS THE NUCLEUS OF SUPPORT FOR OUR NONPROFIT PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATION. OUR TEAM IS COMPOSED OF:
Vincent Gardner – Artistic Director + Co-Founder
Belinda Munro – CEO + Co-Founder
OUR MISSION
Jazz Houston promotes the cultivation of jazz music globally through Performance, Education, and Community Outreach, and honors the Houstonians and Texans who have and continue to be major contributors to Jazz through the celebration of their legacies and the performance of their works.
OUR VISION
What is the vision for this organization? Jazz Houston's vision is to sustain a swinging, world-class resident Jazz Orchestra comprised of the finest musicians, and to present programming that demonstrates the richness and variety of jazz from all of its eras. Equally important is our commitment to enriching our world through educating all ages on the fascinating history of this music, which is ripe with examples of great integrity, stellar musicianship, and life lessons that translate into contemporary times.
Jazz Houston is a vibrant organization that explores the entirety of jazz while preserving and promoting the music for the greater Houston community and beyond. Jazz Houston programs jazz concerts and educational programs annually.
OUR PERFORMANCE VISION
At the center of our performance vision is the 15-member Jazz Houston Orchestra, comprised of the some of the most accomplished and outstanding musicians in the world today. As only the second jazz institution in the US to support a resident Jazz Orchestra, our dynamic ensemble explores the varied array of styles within jazz, while also celebrating Its history and contributing new works to its cannon. To showcase the diverse musical and cultural heritage of Houston, our organization strives to collaborate with artists from other genres including Gospel, Pop, Orchestral Music, and R&B. In addition we create experiences that mesh jazz with other performing arts disciplines such as theater, opera, and dance.
Outside of those performances featuring our resident orchestra, Jazz Houston also presents various national and international artists in concert.
OUR EDUCATIONAL VISION
Education is a main focus for Jazz Houston. Our orchestra members and teaching arists regularly lead community educational opportunities for children and adults including workshops, public school programs, and educational residencies. These engaging, lively educational experiences foster personal relationships with the music for people of all ages while cultivating new audiences for the art form.