The orchestra actually predates its parent organization: It was founded in 1988, to play music by Duke Ellington as part of Lincoln Center's Classical Jazz Festival. Jazz at Lincoln Center was formed as a department of Lincoln Center three years later.

JALC spokesperson Mary Fiance Fuss said in an email that the organization had considered changing the band's name in 1996, when it became a full-fledged constituent of Lincoln Center, but never did. "With our new home and new branding effort we are finally getting the band and the organization together with the same name," she said.

The group currently includes bassist Carlos Henriquez; drummer Ali Jackson; pianist Dan Nimmer; trumpeters Ryan Kisor, Sean Jones, and Marcus Printup; trombonists Chris Crenshaw, Vincent Gardner, and Andr_ Hayward; and reed players Walter Blanding, Victor Goines, Sherman Irby, Ted Nash, and Joe Temperley. Former members include saxophonist Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson, pianist Eric Reed, and drummer Herlin Riley.

The orchestra's plans this year include a tour to France and Spain in July and appearances at JALC's Rose Hall in September and November.