2011 International Jazz Orchestra
Bill McFarlin, Musical Director

Bill McFarlin began his relationship with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp as a camper in 1974. He has served Blue Lake in a variety of capacities over the past 35 years, including cabin counselor, jazz department coordinator, international jazz ensemble director Highlights Coordinator, Director of Public Information and General Manager of Blue Lake’s Public Radio Station – WBLV. He returned to the camp in 2008 as Vice President of Development and Public Relations after a 25 year career in the music industry, and also serves on the Blue Lake Board of Trustees. Mr. McFarlin is a graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, and is a recipient of that institution’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He also studied at Michigan State University and Kansas State University, where he directed the KSU Concert Jazz Ensemble. As a trumpet player, Mr. McFarlin has performed or recorded with numerous artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Phil Wilson, Louie Bellson, and Lena Horne. In 2007, he received the Chairman’s Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.  The 2011 International Jazz Orchestra marks Mr. McFarlin’s fourth tour as a director.