Based in Portland, Oregon, Mike Curtis formed The Mike Curtis Jazz Project out of his love for big band jazz. Influences include Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Gordon Goodwin, Woody, Miles, Diz, all of the usual suspects! MCJP plays progressive jazz, bebop, fusion, and a host of other styles in addition to the swing band standards. The MYS Jazz Ensemble is composed of advanced level players who play in a big-band style ensemble.  Conducted by composer and jazz guitarist Ryan Meagher, the group performs at events and competitions in the Portland metro area, in addition to appearing on the MYS concert series.  -DC