December 5, 2009:  Congratulations to all for terrific performances at the 2009 Skyview Jazz Festival

Arts & Communication Magnet Academy I (Orchestra) - Second Place/Open Class

2009 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

Arts & Communication Magnet Academy I (Orchestra) - Outstanding Arts and Magnet Band

Arts & Communication Magnet Academy - Alex Milsted - Outstanding Tenor Saxophone Solo


ACMA Jazz is a music program at the Arts and Communication Magnet Academy (ACMA) — part of the Beaverton Public School system in Oregon, serving grades 6 through 12. The jazz music program includes instruction in Music History, Music Theory, and Jazz Performance. Jazz instruction takes place at three levels; Beginning Band, for students who wish to begin an instrument, Intermediate Jazz Ensembles, and the ACMA Jazz Orchestra.

The program is under the direction of Conte Bennett. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Truman State University, a master's degree in Jazz Pedagogy, and a doctorate in classical trumpet performance from the University of Miami. He has taught as an adjunct professor at Miami/Dade Community College, James Madison University, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Aletheia University in Taiwan.

Mr. Bennett has extensive orchestral, jazz and commercial playing experience. He recorded with KC and the Sunshine Band and toured with KC from 1999-2003 as lead trumpet. He also recorded and toured with the TSO (Taipei Symphony Orchestra.) He has performed with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Lovano, Joe Henderson, Gerry Mulligan, Wynton Marsalis, Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, and Rosemary Clooney, as well as jazz big band composers like Maria Schneider and Jim McNeely.

For admissions information, please refer to the ACMA website.

This website is maintained by NW JazzWorks (the ACMA jazz band parents group). NW JazzWorks has a website which allows parents to communicate with each other, exchange ideas, and keep track of upcoming events. Click here to join