School of Jazz: Volume 7 Available

Only available online—purchase here Several of Western Washington's finest high school jazz bands and jazz professionals are showcased on KPLU School of Jazz—Volume 7, the station's latest CD release which is the culmination of this year's mentoring project. In 2005, as part of its continuing support of music education in the schools, KPLU developed a mentoring program involving bands from 10 high schools and one middle school, and the participation of 11 local jazz professionals. The fruits of this partnership yielded the first KPLU School of Jazz CD release. Volumes 2 through 6 have featured a core group of bands from the inaugural group along with one or two new participating jazz bands and guest artists.

In addition to 11 area high school jazz bands, KPLU School of Jazz—Volume 7 includes the advanced ensemble from Seattle JazzED, a non-profit organization that offers the highest level of jazz education and performance to the youth of the Seattle metropolitan area.

The complete list of participants on KPLU School of Jazz—Volume 7: Stadium High School (Tacoma), North Thurston High School (Olympia), Jackson High School (Mill Creek), Squalicum High School (Bellingham), Mercer Island High School, Shorewood High School (Shoreline), Mountlake Terrace High School, Edmonds-Woodway High School, Kentridge High School (Kent), Bellevue High School, Mt. Vernon High School, and the advanced ensemble from Seattle JazzED.

Guests artists included on KPLU School of Jazz—Volume 7: David Marriott, Chad McCullough, Jay Thomas, Maria Joyner, Thomas Marriott, Jim Sisko, Tom Varner, Josh Cook, Ken French, Gary Shutes, and Andy Omdahl. All proceeds benefit Western Washington school music programs.

KPLU School of Jazz—Volume 7 includes songs by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Bobby Timmons, Dusko Goykovich, Arturo Sandoval, and Radiohead.

This year's project is made possible through the generous support of BECU, Chaplins Subaru, Fischer Plumbing, and Cornish College of the Arts.