HEBRON/BETHEL — The mission of a 13-piece jazz ensemble being presented by the Mahoosuc Arts Council April 21, at Hebron Academy; and April 22, at Gould Academy; is to carry on the legacy of a legendary musician, composer and educator from Boston, Makanda Ken McIntyre.

The namesake of the Makanda Project, Makanda was a brilliant multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator from Boston. In a distinguished career that spanned from the late 1950s until his sudden passing in 2001, he became very highly regarded within the jazz world for his own recordings and compositions; his contributions to recordings by Eric Dolphy, Cecil Taylor, and others; and his pioneering work in developing jazz pedagogy and establishing jazz as a topic of study in U.S. colleges and universities. Because his accomplishments as an educator often overshadowed his work as a performer, he never achieved the widespread fame that would have been commensurate with his talents

When Makanda passed, it was discovered that he had written 300 compositions that had not been recorded or, in most cases, performed in public. These are in addition to the 100 that he did record. His unique approaches to composition — his pieces are marked by how effectively he could do the unexpected, along with a distinctive rhythmic and lyrical quality — make this a highly significant body of work. It can be argued that Makanda deserves to be recognized on the short list of great jazz composers.

The Makanda Project was formed so that these unrecorded compositions could be heard by the public. The 13-piece group includes several of Boston’s most renowned jazz musicians and some of the area’s most exceptional young talent. The line-up of musicans for the April performances include: Kurtis Rivers, Arni Cheatham — alto saxophone; Lance Bryant, Sean Berry — tenor saxophone; Charlie Kohlhase — baritone saxophone; Jerry Sabatini, Eddie Allen — trumpet; Robert Stringer — trombone; Bill Lowe — bass trombone, tuba; Diane Richardson — voice; John Kordalewski — piano; Wes Brown — bass; Yoron Israel — drums.

An important aspect of what the group offers is in keeping with Makanda’s achievements as an educator. The band members’ academic credentials include three doctoral degrees and teaching positions at various colleges and universities, and all of the veteran members of the band are currently teaching. In conjunction with performances, the group offers a range of educational programs, ranging from workshops and master classes for musicians, to talks and discussions on a range of topics related to jazz.

The Makanda Project has been performing around New England locations since its inception in 2005. Reflecting one of its concerns, it has, in collaboration with Roxbury Action Program, received grants from several foundations and government entities to present an ongoing series of free concerts and educational programs in low-income Boston neighborhoods. In 2009 it began to tour more widely, while remaining active at home. www.mkmjazz.com

Tickets are $15 for adults. All students 18 and under are free with ID. Purchase tickets at www.mahoosucarts.org or call 207-890-6386 to reserve tickets. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and curtain is 7 p.m.