The New face of Jazz in China

Mark Van Cleave has a vision for bringing Jazz to China which started with the formation of the Beijing Jazz Orchestra in late 2009. Along with the birth if this new big band, Mark also formed the first big band ever in the Conservatory system in China at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.

Mark is known world wide as a trumpet performer, pedeagogue, and musical director. His vision to introduce jazz music to a new audience in China is a psssionate one. Not only is mark working to present epic performances througout China with the BJO, but also to teach student musicians and jazz fans about the rich musical history that is jazz.

Mark has been doing business in China since 1997 working with many of the top trumpet manufacturers and producing many high quality products for trumpet players worldwide. Finally in 2009, Mark decided to get started with a dream to bring jazz music to China in a big way. "There are so many talented musicians in China that love jazz music" Mark says. "The musicians in China are eager to learn about this strange new sound and are quickly becoming masters of the jazz styles" Mark adds.

Giving clinics with the China Army Big Band, Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, and forming the Beijing Jazz Orchestra, Mark got things going quickly in late 2009. Many plans for the BJO and other jazz related projects are in the works, and as always, the funding is the key to the success of these programs. We are currently seeking corporate and other sponsors for our 2011 concert season!