Jazz Day Delights for 7th Year
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
The Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center was home once again to the 7th Annual Jazz Day on April 11, a BC tradition since 2016. Hundreds of students from across the county brought their incredible talents to our Indoor Theater and music classrooms for a day filled with workshops, performances, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. 11 different high school jazz bands from around Kern County displayed a wonderful array of big band music, and the Kern County Honor Jazz Band assembled top high school jazz musicians who successfully auditioned to be part of the long-running group. The BC Jazz Ensemble directed by Professor Kris Tiner and the BC Faculty Jazz Combo brought the Renegade spirit to the stage, and live sound support was provided by Professor Tim Heasley and his Commercial Music students.
This year’s head clinician was internationally acclaimed pianist, vocalist, and composer Dawn Clement, who leads the Jazz and American Improvised Music Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Clement worked directly with each participating ensemble before they hit the stage, and she performed with the BC Faculty Jazz Combo. Also featured was Los Angeles multimedia artist Ramsess, who brought his beloved jazz-inspired paintings, quilts, posters, and more for audiences to peruse and purchase in the lobby. The annual event was easily the best and biggest yet, as family, friends, and the community showed up in droves to support these bright young musicians. We are so grateful for the partnership with the Kern County Music Educators Association, Kern County’s high school jazz band directors, and the students who brought their beautiful music to our campus. We are already looking forward to next year!
