KCMEA Jazz Day Returns To Bakersfield College

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The Kern County Music Educators' Association and the Bakersfield College Jazz Studies Program announced today the details of the seventh annual KCMEA Jazz Day at Bakersfield College on Thursday, April 11, 2024. This all-day event will feature student jazz ensembles from throughout Kern County performing in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center Indoor Theater, with showcase performances by the BC Jazz Ensemble, the BC Faculty Jazz Ensemble, and the Kern County Honor Jazz Band. All events in the Simonsen Indoor Theatre are free and open to the public.

This year's head clinician is Dawn Clement, an internationally acclaimed pianist, vocalist, and composer. Her most recent release, Islands, was created in collaboration with producer, keyboardist, and guitarist Jon Solo, and features a range of all-star guests including trumpeter Shane Endsley, saxophonist Skerik, and drummer Allison Miller. She has performed with many jazz luminaries including Jane Ira Bloom, Ron Miles, Matt Wilson, Rene Marie, Juliana Priester, and säje. She currently serves as Associate Professor and Area Coordinator of the Jazz and American Improvised Music Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and she is a sought-after guest artist and clinician. Professor Clement will work directly with each student ensemble and will perform with the BC Faculty Jazz Ensemble.

KCMEA Jazz Day is an annual event for high school and junior high jazz ensembles from throughout Kern County. The day includes workshops led by some of the region’s best jazz musicians and educators, as well as public performances. Admission for all events in the Simonsen Indoor Theater is free and open to the public.

2024 Schedule of Events
All performances listed in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theater and are free and open to the public. Other events are not open to the public and are exclusive to the invited student groups.

• 9:30-12:00 Morning Bands (Indoor Theater)
• 12:00-12:45 BC Faculty Jazz Ensemble with Dawn Clement (Indoor Theater)
• 12:45-1:30 Lunch Break
• 1:30-2:15 BC Jazz Studies Faculty Breakout Workshops (Various Locations in PAC)
• 2:30-5:00 Afternoon Bands (Indoor Theater)

Information for Campus Visitors
Visitors may park in student lot P3 at Panorama and Mt. Vernon. Guest parking permits are $5/day and can be purchased at the Parking Management Bureau website. Please visit the Online Campus Map for parking lot locations.