Bill Borcher's Oregon Jazz Band

The Oregon Jazz Band began in the Music room at Marshfield High School in Coos Bay, Oregon, in 1947. Bill Borcher, English teacher and varsity basketball coach, played trumpet. He was joined by the geometry teacher who played piano, the principal on drums, a trombone-playing student who was on Bill's basketball team and the proprietor of the local music store on banjo.
And 60 years later, the group is still playing. Over 250 musicians have played in the band during that time...some for a gig or two and most for longer stints, depending upon work and family demands. During the 60 years, the OJB has toured Hawaii, taken three extended tours to Europe, played two Caribbean cruises, and played in a whole bunch of festivals from coast to coast.

"Bill Borcher passed away in April, 2003, due to complications from a stroke.  His loyal group of dedicated musicians is keeping the OJB intact and carrying on the Borcher Tradition of "taking the toe-tapping music to the people".