About Nova

The Nova Contemporary Jazz Orchestra is a project sponsored by the Nova Jazz Corporation, a Twin-Cities non-profit dedicated to promoting and developing modern big band jazz.

Fortunately for us, many of the compositions the NCJO performs regularly come from the band members themselves. Current members who’ve provided great music for the band to play are John Ahern (lead trumpet), Bob Byers, Kari Musil, and Paul Peterson (saxophones), but another of the band’s assets is a long list of distinguished alumni who have added to the band’s library over the years. If that weren’t enough, the band also plays specially commissioned (or freely offered) works by composers with a connection to our region and the world, including Dan Cavanaugh, Steve Devich, John Guari, and Greg Stinson.

Nova wishes to thank all its members, both past and present, who have contributed their time and talents to make the band a success. Without the efforts of our founders, alums, and contributors, the Nova Contemporary Jazz Orchestra wouldn’t be where it is today.