About

The Foundation

The pH Factor Big Band was formed in January of 2008 under the direction of Paul Harshman and was formerly known as the Musicworks Jazz Orchestra. Paul’s focus on exciting and challenging repertoire has drawn a highly talented ensemble of musicians that enjoy performing great big band compositions at the highest level.

The Band

The players are some of the finest in the area and the band has a nice mixture of established and younger musicians that gives the group great chemistry. Together, the band strives to entertain the audience and itself by exploring a wide range of music from composers and arrangers such as Bill Holman, Fred Sturm, Maria Schneider, Astor Piazzolla, Stan Kenton, and local composers like Mat Montgomery and Arthur Sagami.

The Leaders

The pH Factor Big Band is co-lead by twin sisters Emily Cheever and Kathy Kronmal. Emily and Kathy were band students of Paul Harshman in high school who inspired them to continue pursuing music. They have been staples in the pH Factor for many years and now bring great energy and life to this big band.