Garfield High School is synonymous with jazz in Seattle, fitting since the school sits just a few blocks from Jackson Street - the birthplace of jazz in our city - in the culturally diverse Central District. It boasts luminary musical alumni such as Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, and Jimi Hendrix. More recent notable graduates include Kassa Overall, Thomas Marriott, Roxy Cross, Anne Drummond, and Riley Mulherkar and Willem DeKoch of The Westerlies, among others.

Garfield's jazz program was built 45 years ago by legendary music director Clarence Acox and his dedicated student musicians. It continues under the stewardship of current director Jared Sessink, who has focused on perpetuating musical excellence while also fostering a supportive community amongst his students. Over the decades, Jazz Ensemble 1 has participated in and won every major high school jazz competition on the West Coast. It has been accepted 18 times to Essentially Ellington - North America's most prestigious high school jazz band competition - and has won it a record tying 4 times.

The Bulldog Big Band Bash will be a concert featuring all three jazz ensembles and a fundraiser to help continue the legacy of Garfield Jazz. The money raised will go toward instrument purchases, musical instruction, guest clinicians, and travel expenses to ensure that all student musicians have access to a wide range of competitions.

Come enjoy a night of fantastic music, help us grow our community, and contribute to a worthwhile local cause that will have you swinging before the night is through!