Blair Bettencourt

Blair Bettencourt retired after 36 years as Music Director for Westford
Academy and  Music Coordinator for Westford, Massachusetts in 2006. Mr. Bettencourt is former Director and Conductor of The University
of Massachusetts, Lowell Preparatory Division Wind Ensemble, the University
Concert Band and Assistant Conductor and Personnel Director of The Lowell
Summer Concert Band. He has been a guest conductor, clinician and
adjudicator for music festivals throughout New England and the United
States. Mr Bettencourt maintains an active schedule as a private teacher and
as a performer on clarinet and saxophone.  He has appeared at jazz festivals
including The Globe Jazz Festival, The Kool Jazz Festival, The Essex Jazz
Festival and The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. Mr. Bettencourt can be heard as a
performer on Jazzology and Stomp-Off records Mr. Bettencourt has been very active as a member of  the Massachusetts Music Educators Association serving in a variety of positions, including District Band Manager, Secretary and Chairperson of the Northeastern District. He is a 1990 recipient of the M.M.E.A. Lowell Mason Award recognizing his contribution to Music Education in Massachusetts
Mr Bettencourt has lectured in Music Administration and Curriculum
Development, Jazz History, Woodwinds Pedagogy, Music Technology, Jazz
History and Instrumental Methods and Repertoire, He is a teacher at the Mary
Jo Leahy Symphonic Band camp held at UML, as a guest conductor, theory and
conducting teacher. He is a member of  Music Educator¹s National Conference and the National Band Association.