MBHS Jazz Band Mr. B

Mr. Balmat

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. He started playing the saxophone in 4th grade. At the age of nine Balmat started studying with professional saxophonist Tony Benade. He studied with Benade for six years. When Mr. Balmat was in 7th grade he performed with the San Diego Youth Swing Band, comprised of some of San Diego's most talented young musicians under the direction of Dan Terry. In high school Balmat found his love for learning new instruments and teaching through his experiance 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 great, John Recaviks, and performed with numerous ensembles within the jazz studies program.

This is Mr. Balmat's fourth year teaching at Mission Bay. He has already built a strong music program within the school focusing on equal opportunity for all students. In three years Mr. Balmat has trained over 200 new musicians. It is his hope to bring music to many more students, building a strong music culture at Mission Bay.

Mr. Balmat is married to his high school sweetheart Misty, and has two little girls, Clara and Stella. He loves to travel. They visit family in Mexico every summer and have driven accross the United States and Mexico. They would love to travel through Europe when the girls get a little older. Balmat hopes to keep his love for music alive through his daughters. Clara is already pounding away on the piano!