Fort Worth, Texas · Est. 2008
Live Big Band Jazz
Step into the swing of timeless music—where tradition meets talent, and every performance is a tribute to the golden era of Big Band Jazz.
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Fort Worth, Texas · Est. 2008
Live Big Band Jazz
Step into the swing of timeless music—where tradition meets talent, and every performance is a tribute to the golden era of Big Band Jazz.
Our Story
In August 2008, former school band director C.J. Lombardo put out a notice across the Alcon campus in Fort Worth, Texas for musicians looking to perform in a jazz ensemble. That first meeting in the small Maxwell Hall auditorium gave birth to one of Texas's most celebrated big bands.
From Count Basie to Pat Metheny—those smooth shiny instruments all in a row, the sax's playing their hearts out, spicy brass harmonies, and the whole room swaying to those irresistible rhythms. Using original vintage orchestrations as a starting point, Maxwell Hall Jazz creates the authentic, unforgettable sensation of a modern jazz band who loves to bring back the classics.
A passionate community of musicians who entertain and educate through professional-level Big Band music—ensuring everyone can enjoy our exceptional performances.
To preserve and promote jazz music in all its forms, foster jazz education, and contribute to our communities through the inclusion of all people.
Leadership
Director · Maxwell Hall Jazz Band
Mike Moscoso believes that music is a powerful teacher, guiding us on how to learn and enjoy life. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University and advanced his studies in Trombone Performance at the University of North Texas.
With extensive performance experience, Mike has played with distinguished ensembles including the Florida State University Wind Ensemble and the Dallas Cowboy Band. After serving as Lead Trombonist for Maxwell Hall Jazz, he became the Ensemble's Director in 2019—bringing deep teaching experience and an unshakeable passion for big band music.
The Ensemble
An exhilarating powerhouse of sound blending altos, tenors, and the deep resonance of a baritone sax. With alternative instruments like flutes, clarinets, and soprano sax woven in, the section crafts a vibrant tapestry of sound that elevates the entire ensemble—the heartbeat that brings the wind instruments to life.
The blazing heart of the big band sound—bold, brilliant, and steeped in the legacy of Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, and Clifford Brown. Masters of tone, phrasing, and dynamic control, shifting effortlessly from tight harmonies to electrifying solos that lift audiences out of their seats.
Three tenor trombones and one bass trombone delivering a deep, rich sound that beautifully complements the trumpets. Their ensemble work captures the lush, layered warmth that has defined big band jazz since the golden era—carrying the legacy forward with every slide.
The heart and soul of the band—drums, bass, guitar, and piano weaving a vibrant musical tapestry. When the rhythm section locks in and achieves that magical swing, it creates an unforgettable experience that makes every moment a celebration of sound.
Joining the Maxwell Hall Family
Maxwell Hall is proud to welcome Audra Scott as a member of the Maxwell Hall family, serving as our Featured Vocalist. Audra's elegant, soul-stirring blend of jazz and classical artistry now has a home on our stage, and audiences can look forward to experiencing her spirituals and jazz standard arrangements as part of our ongoing lineup.
A rare blend of classical rigor and jazz soul in every performance.
Award-winning, multi-disciplinary artist Audra Scott continues the steady ascent of her emerging career. A Fort Worth–based singer-songwriter, children's book author, and educator, she brings that range to every stage she steps onto.
Audra's artistry has taken a beautiful turn toward jazz, where she merges her love for the genre with her classical training to present elegant, heartfelt, soul-stirring arrangements of beloved spirituals and jazz standards.
She has performed her personal arrangements at the Denton Jazz Festival and the Jazz Series at Sammons Arts Center in Dallas alongside renowned composer and arranger Curtis Bradshaw, graced the stage at the new Coppell Performing Arts Center, and recently completed her second Gospel Tour through Spain.
Audra holds degrees and an Artist Certificate from Prairie View A&M University, the University of Arizona, and Southern Methodist University, all with a concentration in vocal performance.
Trained as a young artist with Amarillo Opera, Utah Festival Opera, and Dallas Opera, she went on to join the Munich-based New York Harlem Theater Company and toured throughout Europe with Porgy & Bess for over a decade. She has also been featured in Christmas Dreams from America across Germany, with recitals throughout Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Prairie View, Arizona, Minnesota, Utah, Sweetwater, and California.
Through the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival's Dance Caller Pathways Program — an initiative reconnecting Black communities to the art of traditional dance calling and its rich cultural and historical roots — Audra has discovered a natural extension of everything she has always done: move people.
With her commanding stage presence, innate musicality, and deep connection to the audience, she has taken to the caller's role with both ease and intention, carrying the confidence of someone who has been doing it for years.
Governance
For Venues & Promoters
Please contact the Director of Development for booking inquiries and contracts. Technical and hospitality requirements are detailed in the downloadable riders below.
Stage plot, input list, equipment requirements, and sound specifications.
Download PDFCatering, dressing room, and backstage hospitality requirements for the ensemble.
Download PDFOur current repertoire spanning Big Band classics to modern jazz arrangements.
Request via EmailPerformances
Experience the Maxwell Hall Jazz Band live. Visit our Facebook page and YouTube channel for full-length performances, highlights, and behind-the-scenes footage.
Community
Maxwell Hall Jazz Band is proudly sponsored by Arts Fort Worth and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Their generous support enables us to preserve and perform the rich legacy of Big Band Jazz, engage our community through music, and inspire future generations.
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to cover operating expenses—purchasing music, insurance, and venue rentals. Your donation allows us to continue offering free concerts to the public. We sincerely appreciate your support.
Donate via PayPalGet in Touch
For bookings, contracts, and performance inquiries, please contact our Director of Development. We perform at community events, cultural festivals, corporate functions, and educational programs throughout Texas and beyond.
Director of Development
Michielle Benson
Follow Us
Facebook — Maxwell Hall Jazz Ensemble
For rider downloads, visit the Riders section above.