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Welcome to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra
Upcoming Events:
NOW AUDITIONING
Saxophones • Trumpets • Trombones
Join the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra's 2026–2027 Season
Accepting auditions year-round!
Join rehearsals in progress — Mondays, 5:00–7:00 PM at Bethesda Theater, 7719 Wisconsin Ave
2026–2027 Guest Artist Masterclasses & Workshops:
Bruce Williams — Acclaimed DC Jazz Saxophonist, Basie Orchestra, World Sax Quartet, Juilliard faculty
Will Ledbetter — Bassist, U.S. Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble
Carroll "CV" Dashiell III — Jazz Drummer, DC jazz scene; Christie Dashiell, Warren Wolf & the CVD Ensemble
Leigh Pilzer — Saxophonist, Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
More guest artists to be announced throughout the season!
Contact Kenny Rittenhouse: director@bbjyo.org
We are thrilled to host our first "In Session" Improvisation Workshop & Jam Session of the season:
Sunday November 15th, 2026
"Rooted In The Blues"
featuring alto saxophonist
Bruce Williams
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Acclaimed DC Jazz Saxophonist, Basie orchestra, World saxophone Quartet, Juilliard faculty, Grammy-nominated Artist!
click on flyer to get free tickets!
Come Join the Orchestra!
We rehearse Mondays 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Check out our current Rehearsal Schedule and Auditions page for more information.
The Bethesda Blues and Jazz Youth Orchestra (BBJYO)
was created by the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Foundation in April, 2017 and was lead by the late great Jazz saxophonist Fred Foss. The Foundation is a nonprofit, music and education organization with a mission to provide an educational environment and opportunities for young musicians to experience and perform jazz music. BBJYO is made up of high school and middle school musicians and rehearses in the historic Bethesda Theatre under the direction of trumpeter and music educator, Kenny Rittenhouse, and pianist and music educator, Bob Murad.
Please consider Donating to BBJYO as we raise funds for the 2026-2027 academic year. Thank you!
Photos by Herman Burney www.bassmintphoto.com