Bethesda Blues and Jazz Youth Orchestra

11/30/2025

Dear friends, Giving Tuesday is coming up, but no need to wait!
I’m inviting you to help keep Jazz Education alive for these talented young musicians who call Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra their home.

Every season, the BBJYO opens the doors for talented young musicians, giving them the chance to grow both musically and personally. Since its founding by the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Foundation in 2017—under the inspiring leadership of the late Fred Foss—BBJYO has brought together middle and high school students at the historic Bethesda Theatre, now guided by Kenny Rittenhouse and Bob Murad.

BBJYO students have gone on to attend universities like Columbia, Indiana, and Temple, all while pursuing their musical interests. We’ve also helped students find success at Berklee College of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Spelman College (studying medicine and piano), and Berklee’s commercial recording program.
They also regularly take part in top summer Jazz camps like Berklee, Brevard, Litchfield, and Skidmore, expanding their skills with leading educators and new peers.

On behalf of BBJYO, I invite you to support our youth education programs and musical initiatives. Your generosity keeps tuition affordable and makes it possible to bring in amazing clinicians and guest educators. Thank you for supporting our work and making a real difference in these students’ lives!

At BBJYO, we proudly welcome LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming students, BIPOC students, and youth from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and are committed to ensuring every young musician has a place in our Jazz community to be heard, supported, and celebrated.

Donate Today:

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/bethesda-blues-jazz-foundation-inc/giving-tuesday-2025-for-bethesda-blues-jazz-youth-orchestra

Text-To Donate:
BBJYO to #44-321

10/11/2025

Join us for our FREE jazz workshop, "IN SESSION", featuring the extremely talented and hard-swinging Ebban Dorsey. This workshop is designed for middle and high school musicians who want to learn about the blues, Afro-Cuban music, and jazz standards. Ebban will share her concepts of playing the blues and then lead a jam session!

Sunday, October 19th, 2:00–4:30 p.m.

The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD

Click to view the full newsletter and REGISTER for the workshop (registration isn’t required, but it helps us know who’s coming).

Ebban attends the Peabody Conservatory and just completed a tour with American jazz and hip hop musician José James, performing together in the UK and South Africa!

In Session Jazz Workshop with Ebban Dorsey! Sunday, October 19th

10/11/2025

In Session Jazz Workshop with Ebban Dorsey! Sunday, October 19th

08/12/2025

ANNOUNCING AUDITIONS for the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra!! (BBJYO)!

We are looking for musicians who are excited about learning and performing Jazz with other young musicians! Rehearsals are Mondays 5:00pm to 7:00pm starting September 8th at the Bethesda Theater.

Accepting audio and video submissions, or in person.

Please send inquiries to:
[email protected]

For more inormation go to:
https://www.bbj-youthorchestra.org

❤️We welcome all students—LGBTQ+, gender non-conforming, BIPOC, and from every cultural and socioeconomic background. Jazz celebrates expression, resilience, and community, and we’re committed to providing every young musician a space to be heard, supported, and celebrated.

Bethesda's premier youth jazz orchestra.

03/10/2025

Hey Jazz fans, come on out and support our DC/MD area young Jazz musicians!!

01/10/2025

The event is this Sunday, Jan 12th!

Hey FB friends, check this event out and support Tiny Vinyl Shop, it will be very cool!

Jazz Listening Party/Talk with paintings by Nicole Persley

Time: 6-8pm

Tiny Vinyl Shop, 2501 Champlain St. (at Euclid) in Adams Morgan
Price: $10

"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Jazz but Were Afraid to Ask," hosted by DC jazz musician Abe Mamet. Mamet will play classic jazz recordings and lead a discussion intended to demystify and unlock the joys of jazz for curious new listeners.

In adition to the jazz listening party/talk this Sunday, we will be showing paintings by local artist, Nicole Persley (see more details below). I very much hope you can make this event! Please drop me a line and let me know if you plan to come, and thank you! —Ty Cumbie

DC artist, Nicole Persley, fresh from her exhibition at Art Basle, Miami will be exhibiting her work at Tiny Vinyl Shop, Sunday, January 12. Nicole's work is inspired by her research into her African American heritage, her love of music and progressive causes.

A percentage of the proceeds of the painter's sales that evening will be donated to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra.

12/24/2024

Check out the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Youth Orchestra tearin’ it up on a Blues from our Dec 3rd concert!

09/08/2024

The BBJYO performing “Work Song” at the DC Jazz Fest on the Wharf!!

09/07/2024

https://www.jkproductions.org/event-details/kenny-rittenhouse-ally-hany?

Alright y’all, a Two-Trumpet Quintet? Hell yeah!!

This Saturday, Sep 7th, Ally and I are gonna dive into some of our favorite songs from the legends—Lee Morgan, Blue Mitchell, Kenny Dorham, Tom Williams, Dizzy Gillespie. And the band is excited to play some beautiful originals from Ally!

The lineup:

Ally Hany Albrecht - trumpet
Kenny Rittenhouse - trumpet
Allyn Johnson - piano
Zack Pride - bass
Tyler Leak - drums

A few tunes we’ll be playing…

The Arch: Ally Hany

A Song for Tom: Kenny Rittenhouse

Pursuit of Happiness: Tom Williams

Lotus Blossom: Kenny Dorham

Ca-Lee-So: Lee Morgan

Blue Silver: Blue Mitchell