Oxford University Big Band

The Oxford University Jazz Orchestra (OUJO) is an award-winningjazz orchestra based in the University of Oxford, England. Founded in 1991 it is the longest-running ensemble of its type in the university.

The Oxford University Jazz Orchestra was founded by students in the early 1990s, initially as a word-of-mouth, unauditioned group, later developing into a full-fledged, professional standard big band. Notable alumni from the band include Canadian jazz vocalist Diane Nalini, trumpeter and NYJO musical director Mark Armstrong, London-based trombonist Callum Au, saxophonists Carlos Lopez-Real and Idris Rahman, and ENO conductor Stephen Higgins.

OUJO has been a multiple-time winner at the BBC Radio 2 National Big Band Competition, and has performed at the Oeuf de Jazz Festival in Le Mans, the OK! Celebrity Ball in London, and the Bull's Head jazz venue in Barnes, west London, as well as many venues in and around Oxford, including the Oxford Union, the Jacqueline du Pré music building, the Jericho Tavern, and Blenheim Palace.

In 2002, OUJO recorded the live LP Know Where You Are. The album featured special guest saxophonist Peter King. The orchestra has since made several recordings, including its New York EP.

In more recent years, OUJO has performed at the Glasgow International Jazz Festival and performed jazz legend Kenny Wheeler's Sweet Time Suite at St Barnabas Church, Oxford, earning the praise of the composer. The band has also run open jazz workshops for Oxford University students.

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