"For me, the Coast was a refuge from the rigidity and pressure of academia, where creativity, freedom, and individual voice could flourish."  —Mali Obomsawin '18

The Coast Jazz Ensemble at Dartmouth is a musical collective that is centered around performing Jazz, Black American Music, and Creative music to the Upper Valley and beyond. Working with a wide variety of artists, styles, and periods in the jazz tradition, the Coast strives to be a community centered on the cultivation of joy and sonic expression. Whether playing classic big band pieces or more contemporary creations, the Coast consistently blends past and present traditions into every note.

In its rich history, the ensemble has hosted a diversity of guest artists, from jazz legends like Max Roach, Dexter Gordon and Clark Terry; to leaders of the avant-garde like Sun Ra, Don Cherry and Lester Bowie; to Latin jazz masters like Eddie Palmieri and Jerry and Andy Gonzales. This tradition continues with visits from some of the most acclaimed figures in today's creative music scene such as Nicole Mitchell, Kris Davis and Mary Halvorson.

The Coast's repertoire draws not only from big band music's greatest hits but from the broader history of improvised music. Pieces from the too-often overlooked heroes of composition like Billy Strayhorn, Mary Lou Williams, and Thad Jones, as well as frequent collaborations with celebrated contemporary musicians and rising stars, frequently take center stage at the ensemble's concerts. Each spring, the Coast's reach extends even farther, with an eclectic 'senior feature' repertoire chosen by its graduating members. No matter the piece, the Coast's unique and daring spirit shines through, drawing at once from Duke Ellington and Anthony Braxton—and a little of everything in between and beyond.

Join Coast Jazz OrchestraQuestions about joining? Please email Taylor Ho Bynum, Director of the Coast Jazz Orchestra

Email the Director