American culture still produces great things. The Music Center at Strathmore, a gorgeous concert and arts venue just outside of Washington, is preparing for a premier performance by its new in-house, 17-piece Strathmore Jazz Orchestra. The band, led by conductor and composer Daniel Jamieson, will make its debut on Friday, Feb. 13, performing with Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling.

I’ve been a fan of Elling’s for 20 years, and grew up just a few miles from the Strathmore Center. The new orchestra and its benediction by Elling is a fantastic moment for the arts in America. It’s a sign of positivity, talent, and hope.

“When I agreed to take on the role of conductor of the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra,” Jamieson tells me, “one of my core stipulations was that this orchestra would never function as a backup band. The musicians themselves are the heart of the project. I want this ensemble to be presented with the same artistic importance and visibility as any guest soloist we bring in. The players are the identity of this orchestra, and I am committed to building a culture that places them at the center of every performance.”

Jamieson has impressive credentials. He studied jazz composition at the........

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