Community Music Center's Teen Jazz Orchestra is a tuition-free ensemble dedicated to performing the music of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Count Basie, various other composers, and original compositions. The orchestra is led by composer, bassist, and teacher Marcus Shelby. The CMC Teen Jazz Orchestra studies the history and development of American music and be encouraged to write and arrange for the orchestra as well. Each class includes a discussion about the history of the music, development of the blues, theory, listening sessions, video, learning about key characters, and imagining the possibilities of our music.