Jean-Paul (JP) Balmat, a Mission Bay High School alumni, currently directs the Music Department at Mission Bay.  Balmat performed in the band all four years of high school and was appointed student band leader his sophomore year under the direction of Rey Vinole.   After graduating in 2002, Balmat attended San Diego State University where he graduated with honors receiving a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.  With the support and dedication of Mission Bay High School community and staff, the music program was resurrected after a two year hiatus with Balmat as their new music director.

JP Balmat grew up in Pacific Beach attending Kate Sessions Elementary, Pacific Beach Middle, then finally Mission Bay High School. He started playing the saxophone at the age of 8. Balmat studied with professional saxophonist Tony Benade for most of his childhood. At the age of 13 Balmat was asked to perform with the San Diego Youth Swing Band, comprised of some of San Diego's most talented young musicians under the direction of Dan Terry. At Mission Bay Balmat found his love for learning new instruments and teaching through his experience in the jazz band with teachers Rey Vinole and Everette Crouse. These interests lead him to San Diego State University where he studied saxophone with San Diego musician, John Recaviks, and performed with numerous ensembles within the jazz studies program.

Balmat is currently performing with two professional ensembles. Euphoria Brass Band is a group that pays tribute to the brass bands of New Orleans. The Cabinajazz Project is a group of San Diego and Tijuana based musicians exploring the music of Latin Jazz under the direction of Javier Cabanillas.

More info: Euphoria Brass Band, Cabanijazz

This is Mr. Balmat's sixth year teaching at Mission Bay. He has already built a strong music program within the school focusing on equal opportunity for all students. In five years Mr. Balmat has trained over 300 new musicians. It is his hope to bring music to many more students, building a strong music culture at Mission Bay while paying tribute to the origins of jazz.