Under the direction of Mark Kelly, The Jazz Project’s Bellingham Youth Jazz Band concludes 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. Edit here
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 thirty four 6th to 12th 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 $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 2010 Summer band rehearses Wednesdays 6-9PM @ Bellingham Senior Center, and on Tuesday, July 27 (not 28). 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 SUMMER 2010 REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday night 6pm rehearsals begin Wednesday, June 16th
PERFORMANCES - tentative calendar is subject to additions, deletions or time changes; all concerts are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
THURS, July 15, noon @ G St. Plaza, downtown Blaine, for Blaine Jazz Festival
SAT., July 17, noon @ Downtown Lynden Raspberry Festival (6th & Front St. stage)
SAT, July 24, 10:30am @ Barkley Village Gazebo (Woburn St., 1 block south of Barkley Blvd.)
SUN., July 25, 7pm @ Louisa House, Ferndale; private concert for residents
THURS., July 29, 6pm @ Spring Creek, N. Bellingham; private concert for residents
FRI., July 30, 6pm @ Boundary Bay Garden, concert for restaurant patrons; all ages; public welcome
SAT, July 31, 11am @ Ferndale Farmer's Market (downtown riverwalk) AND 1pm @ downtown Bellingham Arts Festival (1400 block of Cornwall, closed to traffic)
SUN., August 1, 12:15 @ Blodel Donovan Park (Alternative Humane Society benefit) AND 2pm @ Fairhaven Village Green in concert with Swing Connection community big band.
WED, August 4, noon @ Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale. Senior Day In The Park
FRI., August 6, 7pm @ Bellingham Senior Activities Center, Swing Dance/Concert. Dance instruction by Michael Spinale @ 7, band plays 7:40-8:55; Refreshments provided; Admission by donation which benefits the BYJB and the Senior Center.
SAT., August 7, 1:15 @ Blodel Donovan Park Kid's Fest; Final concert for Summer BYJB.
WED., Sept 15, 7pm: First meeting of 2010-2011 BYJB; openings for beginning and advanced players grades 6 and up. Look for information fliers in music stores and schools after Labor Day.
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Event & Concerts 
