CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic was born out of an invitation to renowned trumpeter Orbert Davis from the Jazz Institute of Chicago, asking him to “think big” when planning his appearance at the 2004 Chicago Jazz Festival. The results of this big thinking were profound, creating something new to Chicago and to the music world as a whole.
And what’s happened since is a tribute to what centering on your mission can mean. The CJP has grown into a nationally celebrated ensemble of 55 (and sometimes more) musicians with a busy performing and touring schedule and several acclaimed recordings already to their credit.
And if that weren’t enough, beyond offering its creative musical magic to packed houses of eager fans, CJP also has developed visionary music education programming aimed particularly at young people in the Chicago Public Schools. Initially created by Orbert and Mark Warner, his longtime friend, co-founder and now general manager of the Jazz Philharmonic, as ‘Music Alive’, this is now a multi-faceted experiential program working at every grade level. Incorporating instruction in theory and practice, the program starts in elementary classrooms, and builds to developing in-school jazz bands, providing professional development services for school band teachers, and now even a summer camp for young musicians!
Orbert, Mark and Executive Director Birdie Soti together lead this remarkable organization as it continues to advance its artistic and educational agenda, making no little plans for the future.
Orbert and his team have worked with ESC consultants on several projects, all of them centered on strengthening their organizational sustainability over the long-term, while keeping a close eye on the present. They credit ESC with helping understand how their ‘big picture’ vision translates into the day-to-day and how to make that connection happen. Orbert even credits ESC with introducing him to what he calls a new definition of philanthropy, where “it’s not just about giving money – it’s about giving your time, your talent and your heart…that’s real philanthropy.”
ESC is proud to help the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic hit the highest notes! For more information on this true Chicago treasure, please visit their website.