The North Gwinnett Big Band is the flagship Jazz Ensemble at North Gwinnett High School. North Gwinnett High School is located in Suwanee, GA and the band program consists of four concert bands, two jazz ensembles, the award winning Bulldog Marching Band, two winterguards, and indoor drumline. Our school is on a traditional 7-period schedule with instructional classes lasting 48 minutes. The North Gwinnett Big Band meets twice a week after school rehearsing for 4 hours total, and Jazz II meets once a week for an hour and a half total. 

The North Gwinnett Big Band has solidified its reputation as one of the top jazz ensembles in the region. Revamped in 2021, the Big Band has quickly become a powerhouse in the community, wowing audiences with their impeccable musicianship and dynamic performances. Performing a wide range of repertoire over a variety of styles is key to our curriculum. The Big Band consistently performs in the community, and performed at the 2025 Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conference, and was recently named the Most Outstanding High School Jazz Band at the Essentially Ellington Regional at the University of North Carolina in 2026. This ensemble has also performed at the Essentially Ellington Regional Festival at Tennessee State University in 2023, Essentially Ellington Regional Festival at the University of South Carolina in 2025. The Big Band has been a guest ensemble at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, and most recently as a participating ensemble at the Jazz Education Networks JENerations Festival. The Big Band has had the opportunity to work with musicians and educators like, Marshall Gilkes, Scotty Barnhart, Chris Crenshaw, Rodney Whitaker, Ron Carter, Mace Hibbard, Tim Leahey, Sam Skelton, Jim Gasior, Chip Crotts, Rex Richardson, Bethany Robinson, and Helen Sung. 

congratulations to the 2026-2027

north gwinnett big band

Thank you to ALL that auditioned. Jazz II will continue to get stronger and will begin in Nov/Dec.