State Jazz Festival

Application Process

ELIGIBILITY. Any high school big band (no combos) consisting of traditional woodwind, brass, and rhythm sections may apply. If chosen as a finalist the ensemble must also receive a division 1 rating at the current year’s region medium ensemble contest.

1. The application portal will be open from December 1st through February 1st.
2. The application fee is $150; an invoice will be emailed to the director.
3. Each applying ensemble is required to submit a video recording made during the current school year of the ensemble performing a swing chart and one other chart in a contrasting style (Latin, Funk, Balad, etc). The video may not include any information to identify the school. Applying ensembles do not submit music scores.
4. Festival ensembles will be notified after the application process closes and recordings are evaluated.
5. Apply Here

Festival Format

RULES. Applying ensembles and festival ensembles shall follow the published rules of the state jazz festival, including performance regulations. Any ensemble not meeting these requirements will be subject to disqualification. Each festival ensemble will be assesed a registeration fee. 

PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS. Contest regulations as listed in C&CR Section 1109 Medium Ensemble Contest shall apply, with the following exceptions:

1. Each ensemble will be permitted to perform up to 20 minutes of music, with total time, including performance and entering/clearing the stage, not to exceed 25 minutes.
2. Music by multiple composers and of contrasting styles is encouraged.
3. Improvisation is expected.
4. Each ensemble may choose to provide three copyright compliant full scores of each selection, with measures numbered, but doing so is not required.

ADJUDICATION. The state music office will assign two panels of nationally recognized adjudicators as follows: one panel to select the participating ensembles and one panel to adjudicate the festival.

CLINIC. Immediately following their performance each ensemble will receive a clinic from a nationally recognized professional musician.

AWARDS. The following awards will be given:

1. Each member of the top three placing festival ensembles will receive draped gold (1st), silver (2nd), or bronze (3rd) medals.
2. Each of the top three placing festival ensembles will receive a group award.
3. Each festival ensemble not ranked in the top three will receive a group award.

Adjudicators & Clinicians

TBD