The MiraCosta College Music Department is pleased to announce the launching of a new jazz repertory big band in spring 2010. The MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra (MOJO), under the direction of Steve Torok, will concentrate on performing the music of the great jazz arrangers and composers, including Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Hermann, Gil Evans, and Mel Lewis/Thad Jones, as well as contemporary greats such as John Clayton, Maria Schneider, Bob Florence and Gordon Goodwin.
MOJO will be offered as a one-unit class, MUS 158 (section 2953) Special Ensemble Project. Entry into to the group is by audition/interview. Auditions will be held during the first rehearsal on Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. Weekly rehearsals will be Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 p.m. in MiraCosta’s new Concert Hall, which is located in Bldg. 2400, at 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside.
It is very exciting that the instrumental jazz offerings at MCC have expanded to include MOJO, which joins the already established MCC Jazz Collective and Latin Jazz Bands. The MiraCosta Jazz Collective, established by Torok 1.5 years ago, concentrates upon a more eclectic combo format with unique instrumentation and custom arrangements. The band has performed with Ernie Watts, Reggie Hamilton, Dan Fornero, and Carmen Grillo and in a number of exciting venues including the Reno Jazz Fest, Oceanside Jazz Fest, and Oceanside Harbor Days. The group meets M/W 2-3:30 PM and is currently offered as a one-unit class, MUS 150 (section 2283) Jazz Lab Band.
Please contact Steve Torok by e-mail, or call (760) 757-2121, ext. 6438, or explore this web site for more information about the director or either band.