Under the direction of Mark Kelly, The Jazz Project’s Bellingham Youth Jazz Band enters its tenth year as a Jazz Project program. The BYJB provides middle school and high school students the opportunity to learn America’s original art form from the masters. With your support, this program will enhance opportunities for young jazzers and help families foster an awareness and appreciation for jazz. The BYJB performs 35 free community concerts throughout Whatcom County each year. Donations may be made directly to this band on this website.
The Jazz Project's "Bellingham Youth Jazz Band" was created in 1997 by musician and educator, Mark Kelly, as a feeder program for the local high school jazz bands. The group is currently made up of twenty four 5th to 9th grade students from 10 Whatcom County schools. The BYJB meets Wednesday nights at the Bellingham Senior Activities Center, which donates rehearsal space weekly for the group.
The BYJB performs 35 free community concerts throughout Whatcom County in local parks, theaters, schools, nursing homes, fairs, dances, and jazz festivals.
The BYJB learns and recreates the classic American Jazz standards of the 1920's - 1970's using a standard 18 piece big band format. In addition, selected students make up several smaller combos to perform at concerts, and individuals are featured on solos and vocal arrangements.
The Jazz Project charges tuition (currently $110 per trimester)and seeks private and public grants and donations from the community. Fund raising activities by parents and students supplement the annual budget. The Jazz Project (a 501(c)3 non-profit), pays for music, equipment, director salary, scholarships, lessons, clinicians, and all other expenses. All contributions to The Jazz Project are tax-deductible. Contact Jud Sherwood for more information on how you can support the BYJB.
The BYJB plays regularly around Bellingham to a wide range of audiences. Mark Kelly was awarded the Mayor's Arts Award in 2000 and the San Juan Music Educator's 'Friend of Music' award in 2008 for his work with these young musicians, and his band continues to create community connections across several generations with their concerts and swing dances. If you would like the BYJB to play for your event, or know someone who would like to audition for the band, please contact Mark Kelly at 360.676.5750. Contact the Jazz Project for scholarship information and applications.
BYJB 2009-2010 band rehearses Wednesdays 7-9PM @ Bellingham Senior Center. Tuition is $110 per trimester or $290 for the academic year if paid in advance. The BYJB summer band (mid-June-early August) is $110 for the summer. Contact Mark Kelly at 360.676.5750 or Jud Sherwood at 360.650.1066 to join or for more information. Informational fliers are in music stores and band/orchestra rooms throughout Whatcom County in early September for school-year band, and in mid-May for the summer band.
CURRENT BYJB WINTER 2010 REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday night REHEARSALS 7PM. 2010 rehearsals begin Wednesday, January 6th.
PERFORMANCES - tentative calendar is subject to additions, deletions or time changes:
FRI., March 12, 7-9pm @ Squalicum H.S. Swing Dance
TUES., Mar. 23, 7-8:30 @ Meridian Middle School Concert (tentative)
FRI., Mar. 26, 8:30-9:30pm @ U & ME Dance, The Majesti, 1027 N. Forest St.
SAT., Mar. 27, 7-9pm Swing Dance @ Bellingham Senior Activities Center
SAT., April 3, 10-Noon @ Farmer's Market Season Opening
SAT., April 10, 11am-noon @ Bellingham H.S., The Great Unleashing
FRI., May 7, 6pm @ Allied Arts Children's Gallery Walk (1308 Cornwall) AND 7-8pm @ Bellingham High School Java & Jazz Festival
SUN., May 30, 11am-noon @ Fairhaven Village Green, public concert
MON., May 31, 2-4pm @ Greenacres/Moles, Axton & Northwest
SAT., June 12, 9-noon @ Maritime Heritage Park, The Human Race
WED., June 16, 6-9pm @ Senior Center, First meeting of Summer BYJB
SAT., July 3, 6:30 -7:30 @ Alaska Cruise Terminal (private party, final event for 2009-10)
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Event & Concerts 
