The Ageless Jazz Band originated as a Community School of Music & Arts-affiliated jazz ensemble located in Ithaca, New York. The group was originally founded in 1990 by Ithaca middle school band director, George Carvell with the purpose to promote, study, foster and perform jazz music.
Decades ago, the band spent several seasons entertaining jazz fans from all over the world on the Caribbean island of Aruba, where they were a popular attraction for vacationers. It was an exciting time for the band to temporarily trade cold and snowy New York winter weather by combining performing and vacationing in an island atmosphere with gloriously warm temperatures. During that time, the band was also interviewed about this unique opportunity!
Having evolved past the original workshop experience at CSMA, the Ageless Jazz Band is now a 501( c )(3) non-profit, volunteer-run group of community musicians. Not only are the members all part of the Ithaca, New York area, they are experienced musicians who share their love for classic and contemporary Big Band style of jazz music, and enjoy bringing joy to their audiences.
George Carvell served as director for the band’s first four years. In 1994, John Slate took over the musical leadership. From 1997-2022, Nick Pauldine led the band. Peter Rothbart took the helm in 2023.