The mission of SCJO, the South Carolina Jazz Orchestra, is to entertain, enrich and expand our community for Jazz through performance, education and advocacy. Our mission is to be the leading musical and cultural ambassadors of South Carolina preserving our rich artistic history while growing and expanding our art form today and into the future.

We believe Jazz is a metaphor for Democracy.
Because jazz is improvisational, it celebrates personal freedom and encourages individual expression.
Because jazz is swinging, it dedicates that freedom to finding and maintaining common ground with others.
Because jazz is rooted in the blues, it inspires us to face adversity with persistent optimism.
– Jazz at Lincoln Center