Our history
The Allendale Jazz Orchestra, originally the Allendale Community Concert Band, was founded by the late Don Druart, former Director of Bands at Allendale Public Schools, along with several members of the Allendale community in 1996. The band began as a community concert band and over the years morphed into a big band, becoming known as the Allendale Community Jazz Band. When Don’s health declined, the band sought out a new director to continue their traditions and since 2017 AJO has been directed by Justin Sarns. In 2018, the group rebranded, becoming the Allendale Jazz Orchestra. Today, the Allendale Jazz Orchestra is made up of musicians from the West Michigan area including a handful of those original members, who are committed to sharing our love of jazz and music with our community.
Our Mission
From the beginning, no matter the stage of transformation of the band the mission has been consistent — to provide musicians in the Allendale and surrounding communities an open and creative space to rehearse and perform jazz music, promote awareness of jazz music, and support the community through events and performances.
Our current Band
Our musicians range from people rediscovering their love for music, hobbyists who desire a way to continue playing their instrument, current college students studying music, and professional-level musicians and music educators. The band has performed in a variety of settings such as the Thornapple Jazz Festival, Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, the Ottawa County Fair, Allendale Concerts in the Park, local retirement homes and frequently performs for patients at Mary Free Bed.
Our group has been led by our director, Justin Sarns, since 2017 and has taken our group to a whole new level of performance. Outside of AJO, he is the Associate Director of Bands at Mona Shores Public Schools and is also an Adjunct Professor at Grand Valley State University for their Jazz Methods music education class.
In 2019, we officially became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and formed a board of directors to work together to run the band, which includes the position of President, Vice President of Events, Vice President of Public Relations, Treasurer, Librarian, and Music Director. Board members are elected annually by the band in May for one year terms.
