About Jazz

Kamiak proudly offers two jazz bands: Jazz 1--Advanced Band, directed by Scott McKinlay, and Jazz 2--directed by Toby Bathurst.

Jazz band meets Monday through Friday from 6:20 - 7:13am (during zero period) and is offered for class credit.

Students can sign up for Jazz Band when they register for classes in the spring. Typically auditions for Jazz 1 take place during the first few weeks of class. Those who do not make Jazz 1 are placed in Jazz 2.

To be eligible for Jazz Ensemble, students must also be enrolled in Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble or Chamber Winds.

Concerts & Other Performances

Jazz Band gives three concerts during the school year in addition to performing at various jazz festivals.

One of the highlights of the year is attending the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho in late February.

Another fun event is the "Big Band Dance" typically held in late January. The evening begins with free swing dance lessons and then the jazz bands perform live music. Guests enjoy dancing, snacks, drinks and desserts. This fun event is a fundraiser for the jazz program and is open to the public. The community is encouraged to attend.

Kamiak Jazz is proud to host our very own Jazz Invitational Festival in late March, which brings students and professionals together to share their love of jazz. The festival is attended by high schools and middle schools from the northwest. Students perform for one another, participate in clinics with professional musicians, and enjoy a performance by a local professional jazz band.

Students from Jazz 1 often form their own Jazz Combo. This smaller group usually performs before the concerts begin. The Combo also plays at community events and is available to perform at private functions. Inquiries can be made at jazzliaison@kamiakarts.org.

2017-2018 School-Year Schedule of Events

Wednesday, November 29, 2017: Jazz Night 1 @ the Kamiak PAC

Saturday, December 2, 2017: Mill Creek Jazz Festival @ Jackson High School, Mill Creek

Friday, February 2, 2018: Kamiak Jazz Big Band Dance @ the Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo

Wednesday, February 14, 2018: Jazz Night 2 @ the Kamiak PAC

Friday, February 23 – Sunday, February 25, 2018: Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

-This festival takes place at the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID

Saturday, March 31, 2018: Kamiak Jazz Invitational Festival @ the Kamiak PAC

Wednesday, May 30, 2018: Jazz Night 3 @ the Kamiak PAC

Contact Us

Jazz Band 1, Advanced Band Director:

Mr. Scott McKinlay