Under the direction of Mark Kelly, The Jazz Project’s Bellingham Youth Jazz Band enters its eighth year as a Jazz Project program. The BYJB provides middle school and high school students the unique 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 27 6th to 9th grade students from 7 Whatcom County schools + 2 home schools. The BYJB meets once per week at 7:00 p.m. at the Bellingham Senior Activities Center, which provides rehearsal space 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 and with other groups such as the North Sound Youth Symphony, the Bellingham Alumni Stage Band, and the Mt. Baker Theatre Organ Society.
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 $100 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 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.
2007-2008 Youth Jazz Band
Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, Winter 2008
BELLINGHAM YOUTH JAZZ BAND meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center every Wednesday. The group consists of students from ten different schools, ranging from 6th-9th grade. The band performs with other groups such as the North Sound Youth Symphony, the Bellingham Alumni Stage Band, and the Mt. Baker Theatre Organ Society.
SPRING EVENTS
Friday, May 9 @ U&ME dance formal @ The Majestic (8pm) 1027 N. Forest
Saturday, May 10 @ The Willows, 8-9PM
Saturday, May 24 @ Binary Studio Recording, 9am-noon
Sunday, May 25 @ Fairhaven Village Green, noon-1pm
Monday, May 26 @ Greenacres/Moles, 2 - 4:30pm (outdoors)
Saturday, May 31 @ Depot Market Square, Farmer's Market 10:30-11:30
Tuesday, June 3 @ Whatcom Middle School
Tuesday June 9 @ St. Paul's School 7-8 pm.
Saturday, June 14 @ Human Race, Maritime Heritage Park (9 - noon, outdoors)
BYJB summer 2008 band is open to 7-12 graders. Preregister by June 13
(676-5750), rehearsals begin Wed., June 18, 6-9PM @ Senior Center. Look
for fliers @ music stores, local schools beginning mid-May.
Tuition is $100 per trimester or $270 for the academic year if paid in advance. Contact Mark Kelly at 360.676.5750 or Jud Sherwood at 360.650.1066 to join or for more information.
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Event & Concerts 
