The Jass Big Band

The Jass Big Band is the longest running ensemble of the Jass Festival. The original group in 1995 consisted only of one big band and the ensemble has remained the staple of the festival throughout the years. The ensemble performs a variety of standard big band songs of all styles as well as some newer cutting-edge charts that are being performed by the brightest and newest big bands that are emerging once again all over the world.

The director of the Jass Big Band for 2011 is Warrant Offier One David J. Stordalen, commander of the 188th Army Band. Mr. Stordalen was appointed as Bandmaster and Commander of the 188th Army Band in September of 2010. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Stordalen served for 22 years as an enlisted Soldier in the North Dakota and Minnesota Army National Guard and the active-duty Army. Warrant Officer One Stordalen‟s duty assignments include the 188th Army Band, the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band, the 323rd US Army MEDCOM Band and the 5th US Army Band. Mr. Stordalen has served as a music educator for fifteen years having taught in the Grand Forks School District before moving to St. James, Minnesota where he currently teaches instrumental music.