Community Jazz Ensemble Welcomes New Director

Arthur Bakopolus has recently picked up the baton as the new director of Chelmsford’s Community Jazz Ensemble. A Massachusetts native, Art grew up surrounded by music, and knew from the earliest age that it would be his profession. He first picked up the saxophone in the fourth grade music program in Saugus. Almost from the beginning, he was more than just an instrumentalist, also weaving the threads of writing, directing, and teaching into his musical pursuits. A graduate of University of Lowell’s music department with a Master’s degree in education from Fitchburg state, he has built such a history with this region that he finds now that every locale in the Boston area seems infused with a musical memory; he cannot drive through a town without thinking: I remember when I performed there.

Jazz took hold of his fascination the first time he listened to Charlie Parker in 10th grade, and it has dominated his musical activities. Art notes, however, that he enjoys every genre. Quoting Duke Ellington, he quips, “There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind.” High points of his jazz career have included touring with Artie Shaw, Guy Lombardo, and Benny Goodman. Music has taken him on cruise ships to Hawaii, buses to Wisconsin, the orchestra pit at the Ringling Brothers circus, and a stage at Boston Garden. Now he is set to lead the Chelmsford Community Jazz Band into a new phase. He notes that the band members have met him with enthusiasm and excitement for what he will bring to the group. He observes that they have a genuine desire to continue their growth and the tradition of bringing excellent live jazz music to the region.

The Chelmsford Community Band was founded in 1972 as a volunteer group of adult musicians who greatly enjoy bringing live music to the greater Chelmsford area. The Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble both perform several concerts throughout the year and on Chelmsford Common every summer. Look for them online at www.chelmsfordband.org, on Facebook, and on Twitter as @ChelmsfordBand.