BC Hosts 9th Annual KCMEA Jazz Day

Monday, April 20, 2026

Last week, the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center was home to Kern County Music Educators Association’s (KCMEA) 9th Annual Jazz Day. Each year, hundreds of students from across the county come together to perform, take part in skill-building workshops, and receive critique from professional musicians. Ten local high schools participated in the event including Stockdale High School, Del Oro High School, Shafter High School, and more. There were also three Bakersfield College Jazz groups, under the direction of Professor Kris Tiner, that performed throughout the day.

This year’s guest clinician was Cathlene Pineda, a critically acclaimed pianist and composer who is currently the co-director of the jazz program at the California Institute of the Arts. She provided valuable insights and training to the participating groups, and she also performed with the BC Jazz studies faculty and Kern County Honor Jazz Band.

With groups playing throughout the day, attendees were able to experience a wide variety of vibrant performances from some of the best young jazz musicians in Kern County. The Indoor Theater was packed all day with family, friends, fellow musicians, and music fans – making this year’s Jazz Day the biggest and best yet! A big thank you to KCMEA, and the Kern County high school bands and their directors for bringing beautiful music to the BC campus. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year!