Jay Fluellen
Jay and I discuss the benefits of collaboration, the legacy he has built, and how Philadelphia has shaped our music career.
Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out:https://youtu.be/YM_YTfJ2seE
Follow me @thhappymusician thehappymusician.com - offering a magical mix of life & career coaching, personal development, and music industry mentoring.
About Jay Fluellen
Jay Fluellen, D.M.A., is a Philadelphia-born musician known as a composer, college professor, educator, accompanist, pianist, singer, and organist/choir director. He has a doctorate in music composition from Temple University, in addition to his certification in music from Eastern University. Dr. Fluellen has taught as a classroom music teacher in the School District of Philadelphia for the past 22 years.
In August 2023, Fluellen began teaching at his alma mater, the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, CAPA where he directs the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble, in addition to teaching Class Piano and Solfeggio. Since January 1997, Fluellen has served as a co-minister of music at the Historic African Episcopal Church of St.Thomas. Collaboration has been a hallmark of Fluellen’s career as a musician. Selected highlights of collaborations in the 2026 calendar year include the following:
He served as music coordinator for the annual Absalom Jones service held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Fr. Jordan Casson; celebrant. For the service, He co-lead music with choir directors Sheila Booker and Earl Jefferson.
Jay served as the music coordinator for the Marian Anderson Historical Society Gala held on March 1st, 2026, at the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building. He worked closely with the CEO, Jillian Patricia Pirtle, to craft an evening of music that featured artists from the Marian Anderson Historical Society’s Vocal and Instrumental Scholars program. In addition, he led a jazz band made up of musicians from Local 77-274 musicians' union, coordinated with the help of Marjorie Goldberg. He served as musical director of 1776: The Musical, a 40-show run at CAPA. The production ran from June 24th to August 15th, 2026. The production used only high school performers, both on stage and in the pit. He worked closely with Karen Corbin, the executive producer, Phillip Brown, the director, and Melody Moore, the stage manager, to ensure that the students involved in the show had a positive experience.
On July 3rd, 2026, He served as music coordinator and piano accompanist for the annual Sounds of Liberty Concert for the Marian Anderson Historical Society, Jillian Patricia Pirtle, CEO. The concert featured the MAHS Scholars and The Intermezzo Choir Ministry, Carrie Lessene, director.
On July 25th, 2026, he served as the musical director for a community version of La Guagua 47, performed at Esperanza Academy’s outdoor street festival. Both the music and script for the show were written by Alba Martinez. With his colleague Victor Rodriguez, he helped train a cast of 7 lead singers and a community chorus. In addition, to a 7-piece band. On October 25th, 2026, he will be collaborating in concert with Thomas Lloyd and the Bucks County Choral Society. The concert will feature my Of Journeys and Refuge, written for choir and jazz quartet. This was commissioned and premiered in 2011. The concert will also feature the Gospel Mass by Robert Ray accompanied by his quartet.
FOLLOW him: @fluellen.jay
Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YM_YTfJ2seE
Comments