The Chelmsford Community Band Jazz Ensemble was formed in 1998 to give concert band members with a love for playing big band music an outlet for that passion. The jazz ensemble gave its first performance at the Chelmsford Community Band's annual pops concert on April 25, 1998. Since then, the ensemble has performed several times a year — at the Chelmsford Community Band's annual winter concert, the pops concert and the summer concerts on the common. The ensemble's wide repertoire consists of big band standards and popular selections from noted jazz artists that appeal to audiences of all ages.

"The ensemble's 17 members are a dedicated group who rehearse at least twice a month, in addition to the concert band rehearsals and other musical endeavors that they may be involved with," says jazz band president Ken Muzykewicz. "In return, they have a great time playing this music, and our audiences respond to that."

The band's sound matured steadily under the expert direction of Tony DiBartolomeo, who was director of the concert band from 1991 to 2001, and director of the jazz ensemble from its inception until the end of 2002.

In March 2003, Paul Combs became the jazz ensemble's director. A performer and teacher for over 35 years, Paul has his own nine-piece ensemble, The Pocket Big Band, which performs all over New England. Visit Paul's website at www.paulcombs.com to learn more about his musical activities.