Kelly Clingan Passes the Baton After a Decade of Leadership in the Girls Ellington Project

Seattle, Washington – After more than ten years of dedicated leadership, Kelly Clingan, the driving force behind Seattle JazzED’s Girls Ellington Project, is passing on the reins to a new generation of educators. Her tireless commitment to fostering a community and providing opportunities for young artists has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz education.

The Girls Ellington Project, founded in 2012, has been a beacon of inspiration, allowing girls and gender-diverse high school musicians to explore the timeless works of Duke Ellington and nurturing individual voices within the ensemble. Under Clingan’s guidance, this project has thrived and evolved, reflecting her unwavering dedication to collaboration and the spirit of inclusion.

Reflecting on her decision to step down, Kelly Clingan expressed, "It's time to pass the torch to the next generation of baddies. Kids today need something different, and I might not be the person to provide that. Duke Ellington, often regarded as the greatest American composer, believed in honoring individual voices within his ensemble. This spirit lives on in the Girls Ellington Project."

What sets the Girls Ellington Project apart is its commitment to community building and inclusivity. Unlike many jazz programs, there are no auditions, and the focus isn't solely on reaching prestigious festivals. Instead, students learn Ellington's music and have the option to record and submit to the historic Essentially Ellington competition based in New York City.

Families are actively involved in the recording sessions, offering students a unique opportunity to showcase their skills while building a sense of pride in their musical achievements. This collaborative approach extends to the classroom, where students follow the arc of learning and engage in special projects throughout the year.

Clingan's leadership has been instrumental in nurturing the Girls Ellington Project's growth and success. Recognizing the evolving needs of the program and the importance of multiple voices, she has decided to step back from the role of lead educator. However, she will remain an advisor and thought partner, providing invaluable insights and support to the program as it enters a new chapter. Joining the project as lead educators are local musicians and educators Katyrose Jordan, Audrey Stangland, Marissa Kall, and Abbey Blackwell.

Clingan will continue to serve Seattle JazzED as the Education Director, where she will focus on a more strategic vision, offering clinics throughout the region to further enrich the jazz education landscape. She remarked, "I'll always be here as a consultant for what's going on, but now, with four other dedicated educators, we can strengthen the sense of community and collaboration within the Girls Ellington Project, staying true to the JazzED way."

The legacy of Kelly Clingan in the Girls Ellington Project will endure, and her vision of empowering young musicians will continue to thrive under new leadership. As the project embraces the future with open arms, it remains committed to nurturing individual voices, fostering inclusivity, and building a strong community for girls and gender diverse musicians.

Girls Ellington Project is currently registering for the fall season. Rehearsals meet weekly on Tuesdays and take place at Seattle JazzED’s South Lake Union site at 380 Boren Ave starting October 3, 2023.

About the Girls Ellington Project

The Girls Ellington Project is an innovative jazz education program that builds community for young girls and gender diverse musicians as they explore the music of Duke Ellington and cultivate their individual voices. Founded in 2012, the project is dedicated to inclusivity, collaboration, and the development of future jazz leaders.

About Seattle JazzED

Seattle JazzED was founded in 2010 with one simple mission: to make sure every young person who comes through their doors gets an excellent music education. The goal? That every JazzED student experience the life-changing magic of teamwork, accountability, and confidence that comes from a dedicated education in jazz, a quintessentially Black-American art form.

Musicians are welcome to register for the Girls Ellington Project at www.seattlejazzed.org/girls-ellington-project.