Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage
Congratulations to YJED and Mr. Blazek on an outstanding performance at the 30th Annual Essentially Ellington Festival in New York City!
YJED represented the greater DuPage area in New York City at the 30th Annual Essentially Ellington Festival and Competition in May. Their hard work, determination, and musical talents were on display! Mr. Blazek is beyond proud of these students for their dedication and commitment to each other.
Check out the Photos!
YJED Essentially Ellington Sendoff Concert with Guest Artist John Wojciechowski!
YJED was excited to perform their spring jazz concert as a sendoff to the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in New York with guest artist John Wojciechowski! John is an esteemed Chicago-area jazz saxophonist and incredible local educator
Check out John Wojo's bio here!!
The 2023-24 YJED album now available through Bandcamp!
If you are looking for a jazz album recorded by some of the best high school students in the state, with incredible mastery and musicianship, look no further than YJED's 2023-24 studio album "Pure Joy".
Recorded this past June, in a pro studio with pro engineering, you will not be disappointed with this stunning album.
Please visit this link to check it out! If you are looking for an amazing holiday gift idea, show these wonderful students some love!
So what is the story with YJED???
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YJED members get to play with the best high school musicians in DuPage County and surrounding areas. 20+ high schools...but only 5 trumpets, 5 bones, 5 saxes and one rhythm section.
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You get to play pro-level music!
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You get to play at cool places like The Jazz Showcase, Fitzgerald's, Fulton Street Collective, Plus ILMEA and downtown Chicago gigs, in addition to other concerts throughout the year. Our 2023-24 and 2024-25 YJED groups played at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in NYC!!
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You get to play with great featured artists. Pros like Victor Garcia, Chris Madsen, Steve Wiest, Roger Ingram who have played with the best in the world!
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And you get to make a pro-level recording, in a pro-level studio, with a featured artist or two. Laying down the best charts of the year, engineered by industry guys who do this for a living. Many of our alumni say this is the most memorable part of YJED.
So, if you want details, go to the "About YJED" tab.
YJED 2023-24 year-end recording - Support through GoFundMe
After our last concert, in May the band (as it typically does) trooped down to Transient Sound to lay down a recording with the best of their season's songs. GoFundMe donations help to fund studio time, plus the sound mixing and mastering, and production still in process.
Click on the yellow "Donate via GoFundMe" button for more details and to make a donation electronically.
If you prefer to donate by check, make the check payable to “Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage” and mail it to the YJED Treasurer at YJED c/o Jenz Law Office, 124 S. County Farm Road, Suite C, Wheaton IL 60187. (Make sure your name and address is on the check to receive a tax deduction receipt). Thanks!