BCC’s ‘Celebration!’ jazz ensemble takes first at Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

BELLEVUE, WASH. – The Bellevue Community College vocal jazz ensemble "Celebration!" won first place in the College Multi-Microphone Division at the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival February 26.

The honor follows the ensemble’s selection to perform at the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) annual meeting in January, and winning first place in the College and Combo division at the Reno Jazz Festival last spring.

The Reno and Lionel Hampton events are the two largest jazz festivals in the world, while the IAJE event selected the BCC ensemble as one of only four such groups to perform, from thousands considered.

The 21-member ensemble, made up solely of students, is directed by BCC Music Instructor Tom Almli, and is accompanied by the school’s student instrumental jazz combo.

Serving 39,000 students annually, Bellevue Community College is the third largest institution of higher learning in Washington state. BCC offers associate degrees, certificates and continuing education programs in the traditional arts, humanities and sciences, as well as information technology, telecommunications, business, health sciences, social sciences, educational development and numerous other professional and technical fields.

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