Under the direction of Mark Kelly, The Jazz Project’s Bellingham Youth Jazz Band begins its twelfth 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 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 seven 6th to 9th grade students from 8 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 - 40 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 $125 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 2011-2012 band rehearses Wednesdays 7PM @ Bellingham Senior Center, beginning September 14, 2011. Tuition is $125 per trimester or $335 for the academic year if paid in advance. The BYJB summer band (mid-June-early August) is $125 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/SPRING 2012 REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
WED., Jan. 4 - first rehearsal of 2012 band, 7pm @ BSAC; 315 Halleck Street, Bellingham
FRI., Jan. 6 - CONCERT 7pm Parkway Chateau; private concert for residents, families
THUR., Jan. 19 - CONCERT 7pm with Sehome High School Bands; open to the public
FRI., Feb. 3 - CONCERT 6:30pm Lightcatcher Museum, Bellingham; public concert as part of Art Walk
THURS. Feb. 16 - CONCERT 7pm Spring Creek Retirement, private concert for residents, families
FRI., March 9 - CONCERT 7pm Swing Dance @ Squalicum High School; open to the public
FRI., March 23, - CONCERT 7pm Swing Dance @ B'ham Senior Activites Center, fundraiser, open to the public
FRI., April 13 - CONCERT 7pm Swing Dance @ Bellingham High School; open to the public
TUES., Mar. 27 - CONCERT 7pm @ Meridian Middle School Band Concert; open to the public
SUN., April 29 - CONCERT 7pm @ MBT; private party
FRI., May 4 - CONCERTS 6pm Artwalk, location TBA; 7pm Bellingham H.S. Jazz Festival; open to the public
SAT., June 9 - CONCERT 4pm @ private party
WED., June 13 - CONCERT @ KMS (tentative)
THUR., June 14 - CONCERT 7pm w/Fairhaven M.S. band; open to the public
Wed., June 20 - First rehearsal of Summer BYJB 6-9pm @ BSAC (7-12 graders; preregister by 6/15/12)
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Event & Concerts 
