Metropolitan Boston Youth Jazz Project

formerly the Newton Jazz Project

What & Where:

The MBYJP is an advanced Big Band comprised of High School age youths selected from the Boston Metropolitan community. Individuals are chosen for their ability to perform on their instruments and their commitment to rehearsing and practicing. Focusing on the modern jazz tradition, the MBYJP features works of Jazz Masters from the Post Bop era and beyond. The group also features original material from participants. Guest Jazz Masters also participate in rehearsals and performances. The MBYJP is an outreach program of the Brigham House.*

The group performed at the Windsor Club, Waban Village Day, Newton Highlands Village Day, and at the Newton History Museum as part of the Children's Cultural Celebration.

            Recent pictures of a rehearsal   Press on recent performance

 

Who:

MBYJP Project Leader Christopher Bonnier Pitts: A professional musician for over 25 years, Pitts made Detroit, Manhattan, Paris, and San Francisco his homes before moving to Boston recently with his wife and 2 children. He has performed at major jazz festivals and clubs in North America and Europe, and has played with notables Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Jon Fadis, Kenny Garrett, Geri Allen, Regina Carter, James Carter, Grover Washington Jr., Betty Carter, John Handy, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Martha Reeves, Lou Rawls, and even President Bill Clinton.

Pitts is the recipient of numerous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and various State and City Arts foundations. In addition to private teaching, he has been an instructor and clinician for Public schools and Universities.

In 1995, Pitts founded the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, a band which has received accolades for concert and festival appearances and has recorded 4 CD's. His big band library consists of over 400 masterworks, many given directly to Pitts by composers, their descendants, or their publishers in support of his projects.

Why:

At a time when liberal arts programs are being cut back, we must step in and give youths a chance to experience the arts with new programs. Most importantly, advanced programs are needed to challenge rapidly developing young artists in the area. With works by Thad Jones, Charles Mingus, Frank Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Oliver Nelson, Duke Ellington and other Jazz masters as a model, the MBYJP gives youths experience performing jazz with all its intricacies at a very high level. 

Why Jazz?

The benefits of exposure to jazz are proving to be more than just pleasurable. Jazz is currently being examined by corporate institutions such as Motorola as a model for creativity, risk, teamwork, leadership, and performance.  Both U.S. News & World Report and Time have reported on business programs that use musical examples to illustrate the parallels between creativity and management.  The Boston Consulting Group praised Duke Ellington as a model manager, stating that "the winning organization of the future will look more like a collection of jazz ensembles".** 

Further, Jazz represents human creativity and the quest for knowledge and freedom in the highest tradition of the arts.  Jazz embodies the soul of democracy; each voice working together, equally respected, contributing to create a stronger, higher, and more complete vision - greater than the sum total of its parts.  Its highly organized foundation and multiple facets challenge the artist's ability to create spontaneously, communicate emotionally and express individuality, unlike any other art form.

Next Steps:

  • Selects participants
  • Recording session

Resources Needed:

  • Music stands
  • Stand lights
  • Bass/Piano amplifier
  • Piano tuning and maintenance
  • Sponsorship for scholarships

MBYJP Advisory Board:

Philippe Crettien, Saxophone & Ensembles, Rivers Music School

Greg Hopkins, Trumpet & Professor of Composition Berklee College of Music

Robert Kaufman, Drums & Associate Professor Percussion Berklee College of Music

Lisa Linde, Trombone & Music Teacher Newton South High School

Chris Lopes, Bass & Clinician

Nina Ott, Pianist & Berklee College of Music Instructor

Bill Pierce, Saxophone, & Chair of Woodwinds Berklee College of Music

 

*Brigham Community Center, know as “Brigham House,” is a 5o1c3 non-profit organization whose programs are aimed at Newton area teenagers.

2006 Board of Directors

  • Dr. Robert N. Staulo, Chairman
  • Dustina Bennett, Treasurer
  • Karen Delorey,
  • Peter F. Harrington, Esq.
  • Marcy Johnson, Alderman Ward 3
  • Jamie McManus
  • John B. Rice
  • Christine Snow Samuelson, Alderman Ward 5
  • Ron Ponte, NWH
  • Cindy Marshall
  • Matthew McGuire, Bank North
  • Francee Sheehan

Advisory Board:

  • Ruth Balser, State Representative
  • Janice Bourque, Pres. Newton Highlands Area Council
  • George Mansfield, Alderman Ward 6
  • Anthony Salvucci, Alderman Ward 2
  • Claude Sangiolo
  • Steven Aronson
  • Tony Bibbo

** Downbeat Magazine