Mission
The Seattle Jazz Composers Ensemble (SJCE) exists to create and perform new compositions by Pacific Northwest composers and arrangers, providing sustainable opportunities for continuing education and work advancement for professional musicians.
Within this context SJCE strives to provide the public with unique, compelling community events at the lowest cost possible; integrate cross-disciplinary elements to transcend the traditional concert format; showcase Pacific Northwest composers and musicians on a regional and national level; channel public and private funding directly into the hands of artists for their work.
History
SJCE was first conceived by co-directors Michael Owcharuk and Nate Omdal in 2007. The organization was created as a means to produce unique, large concert events that address a big problem observed in the music community: the lack of infrastructure enabling emerging professional musicians to be compensated for composing, arranging, and performing new, large ensemble music.
Since then, SJCE has performed many grassroots concerts, in addition to large ensemble concert events, all sustained through community support. SJCE has garnered media attention from the Seattle Times, The Stranger, and 94.9fm KUOW, and is an associated program of the non-profit fiscal sponsorship and consultation company Shunpike, a 501(c)(3). Additional community partners include: University Prep., The Frank Agency, J&J Music, Doogin Design, Middlefork Roasters, and the Belltown Ballet Studio.
