Bill Simenson Orchestra

The Bill Simenson Orchestra is a 17 piece jazz orchestra (aka big band) based in Minneapolis, MN. Beginning in June of 2012 the orchestra has played my original music the first Tuesday of every month at Jazz Central Studios (407 Central Avenue SE, Mpls.).  As COVID hit we played on March 3, 2020 and remained on hiatus until resuming regular performances in May of 2022.  With over 120 tunes in the library we are the only composer led big band performing regularly in the Twin Cities with new pieces being continually added to the repertoire.

The Bill Simenson Orchestra's first CD, "Big Alpaca," was recorded in 2016 and released in February of 2017.  Here's what jazz journalist Scott Yanow had to say about "Big Alpaca:"  http://billsimenson.com/yanowreview.html

Funds raised on Give to the Max Day 2023 will be used to support the band in its mission to perform, and to encourage the creation of, new music for big band (jazz orchestra).  As those of you that have seen the band know, when we perform at Jazz Central we play for the door, but when we venture outside the club it is our policy that these wonderful musicians are paid what they so richly deserve.  Give to the Max Day affords us the opportunity to have cash on hand so we can perform and/or fulfill our educational role at venues or with organizations where it might otherwise not be possible.