artist info

The Ballard High School Jazz Band, from Seattle, WA, is proud of its recent successes and is widely recognized as one of the Northwest’s top high school jazz bands. It has twice been named a Finalist in the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in New York (2018, 2012) and the “Next Generation” Jazz Festival in Monterey (2018, 2015), was a Finalist at the Swing Central Jazz Festival in Savannah, Georgia (2014), has appeared multiple times at the Paramount Theater as part of Starbucks’ “Hot Java Cool Jazz” concert and has performed in Seattle’s prestigious Earshot Jazz Festival. The band was named as one of the “Outstanding Jazz Ensembles” at the UW Jazz Festival for three years in a row (2018, 2017, 2016) and won first place at the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in 2013.

The music program at Ballard prides itself on the high expectations and quality of music throughout the entire department and its Concert Bands, Marching Band, Orchestras, Choirs and Chamber Ensembles have all been recognized throughout the state, region, and nation for their musical excellence. Last year, the Ballard Wind Ensemble traveled to perform at Carnegie Hall and this year the Wind Ensemble was one of only two high schools in the state to perform at a Concert Hour at the WMEA State Music Teacher’s Conference.

In addition to the two Jazz Bands and Vocal Jazz, Ballard High School offers three concert choirs, two concert bands, two orchestras, percussion ensemble, and a successful drama and musical theatre program. The school is proud to have a very supportive parent community that provides financial and volunteer assistance to ensure that students receive the richest arts experience possible.