The Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra was formed in January 2023 specifically for the Girls in Jazz Workshop put together by the Women Band Directors International – Alberta Chapter.  The workshop was a huge success and included an all-female staff working with 92 women ranging in age from 12 to 80+, all coming together to play and learn more about jazz.  

Directed by Kathie Van Lare, a long-time music educator in the Calgary area, the Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra is comprised of many of the finest female instrumental musicians in Calgary and beyond.  Their sold-out concert this past January was held at the National Music Centre and featured very special guest artists Christine and Ingrid Jensen.  It sounded so amazing and so much fun was had by everyone involved the Orchestra is now ongoing. 

The CWJO enjoys playing beautiful music written by female composers and arrangers, including the music of some of their members.  Ultimately, they hope to see more women and more gender diversity on the jazz stages of the future. 

The Orchestra will also be featured in the second Girls in Jazz workshop and concert that will be held at Lord Beaverbrook High School on January 27, 2024. The special guest artists for that show will include Vancouver bassist Jodi Proznick and Edmonton trombonist Audrey Ochoa. 

Director 

• Kathie Van Lare 

Saxophones 

• Erin Ellies 
• Shannon Fehr 
• Barb Hume 
• Sarah Matheson 
• Holly Sangster  

 Trumpets 

• Natalie DeJong 
• Trudy Fossey 
• Leanne Paisley 
• Debbie Rich 

Trombones 

• Lurene Bates 
• Taylor Berry 
• Jane Dobbs 
• Lilac Gilad 

Piano 

• Michelle Gregoire 
• Lorna MacLachlan 

Bass 

• Shari Rae 

Drums and Percussion 

• Chantal Broderick 
• Celene Yohemas