The Bethesda Blues & Jazz Foundation

Bethesda Blues & Jazz Foundation, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide an educational environment and opportunity for young musicians to experience and perform jazz music.

The Foundation created the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Youth Orchestra (BBJYO) in April, 2017, for musicians from the ages of 11 to 17. The BBJYO rehearses in the historic Bethesda Theatre under the direction of saxophonist and music educator, Fred Foss. Foss is a native New Yorker who started studying music at the age of 19. He has performed with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, Hugh Masekela, Dollar Brand, Tito Puente, Patti Labelle, The Temptations, and The Four Tops. Foss also worked with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He has taught music at the Filmore School and the University of Maryland. Mr. Foss created the Fred Foss Youth Orchestra which performed in Cuba’s Havana Jazz Festival. Foss enjoys teaching his knowledge and wisdom to young musicians who, in many cases, become professional musicians. BBJYO musicians have the opportunity to learn from a jazz master.