NOPO Big Band
Music Makes it Worth it.
The NoPo philosophy is rooted in community, and band members include musicians with varied backgrounds and experience. NoPo Big Band serves as forum, a supportive atmosphere to explore the music, encouraging each member to take solos and take risks. In this way, each member strives to advance his or her own musicianship. By providing high quality big band music, we hope to develop an appreciation for this style of music, and enrich the lives of the Portland community.
NoPo Big Band is one of the newest big bands on the block, formed in 2010 in the neighborhoods of North Portland. This 17-piece ensemble is arranged as a typical 5/4/4 + rhythm section big band: 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a rhythm section of guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. We have occasional surprise instrumentalists and vocalists, all adding to a collage of styles and genres, from swing to blues, from bossa to Basie.
Our Story
This 17-piece ensemble is arranged as a typical 5/4/4 + rhythm section big band: 5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a rhythm section of guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. We have occasional surprise instrumentalists and vocalists, all adding to a collage of styles and genres, from swing to blues, from bossa to Basie.