BHS Band Boosters Presents a Two-Night Jazz Festival – March 6 and 7 – Featuring the Marina Albero Quintet and Student Jazz Ensembles. Plus, ‘Floribunda’ Spring Exhibit at BAC

The festival has grown significantly since its inception, attracting high school jazz bands, middle school jazz bands, and vocal jazz choirs from throughout Washington State. The event organizers, working in collaboration with BHS Band Director Chris Thomas, have seen increasing participation each year as the festival has established itself as a premier educational and performance opportunity for young musicians.

Festival Format and Schedule

The Puget ‘Sounds’ Jazz Festival is structured as a celebration of spontaneous live interactions between professional and student musicians, providing both performance and advanced education opportunities.

On Friday, March 6, the evening will feature a two-headliner showcase with the special guest the Marina Albero Quintet performing at 7 p.m. The internationally recognized pianist and her quintet will present a concert that exemplifies the highest level of jazz artistry.

Saturday, March 7 will showcase the participating high school jazz bands during the day, with preliminary performances and educational clinics. The evening concert at 7 p.m. will begin with performances by the festival’s most outstanding student ensembles, followed by a closing set from the Marina Albero Quintet.

Educational Component

A significant aspect of the jazz festival extends beyond performances to provide advanced education and training opportunities for student musicians. Adjudicators representing performers and educators from across Washington will conduct clinics for each participating band following their preliminary performances.

Student musicians will participate in master classes focusing on specific instrumental sections—trombones, trumpets, rhythm section, and vocalists—offering specialized instruction to help them improve their skills. These educational sessions represent a core mission of the festival: investing in the next generation of jazz musicians.

Ticketing and Event Details

Tickets for the Puget ‘Sounds’ Jazz Festival range from $10 to $35 and are available online at www.bainbridgebands.org. Festival passes provide access to both evening concerts at the BHS Theater, as well as the preliminary performances and master classes on Saturday.

The festival represents one of several major jazz events taking place in the region this winter, contributing to a vibrant jazz education and performance scene throughout the Puget Sound area. For more information, tickets, and the complete festival schedule, also visit www.bainbridgebands.org.