Adjudicated Jazz Ensemble Festival

This is a non-competitive festival for jazz band, jazz combo, jazz choir & show choir. The goal is to encourage jazz performance in D3 Schools and to provide an encouraging educational atmosphere for students and directors to perform for peers and learn from a team of outstanding jazz educators. All elementary, middle school and high school vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles are encouraged to participate.

For the current year's dates, location, and managers please see the calendar of events.

Schedule

This festival is typically held during the middle of the last week in February or first week in March, at least two weeks before State Jazz Festival. Performances usually start in the afternoon and run through the evening.

Adjudication

Ensembles perform for highly qualified jazz educators who will provide a recorded critique offering suggestions for improvement and noting areas of strength. At the conclusion of your performance, one of the adjudicators will do a short clinic with your group highlighting some some of the areas that may be addressed in their critique. Each director will also receive an informal written communication from the adjudicator(s) meant to assist the director in preparing the ensemble for future rehearsals and performances including advice for setting goals for the long-range development of the instructional program.

Each ensemble will receive:

• • Recorded and/or written comments from adjudicators.

  • A certificate of participation

  • Individual certificates for qualifying students recognizing outstanding solo performances

  • At least one member of each ensemble will receive a “Judge’s Choice” award recognizing that individual’s contribution to the success of the ensemble.

Logistics

All elementary, middle school and high school vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles are encouraged to participate. Ensembles may perform for a rating or comments only. Each group will have 30 minutes “onstage.” This includes set-up time, performance time, and a short clinic with one of the adjudicators. There is no limit to the number of compositions each ensemble performs; however, 18-20 minutes is recommended. Keep in mind that the shorter time you play, the longer you will have for your clinic.

Performances are open to the public and we encourage students and directors to listen to as many groups as they can!

Fees and Registration

Registration Fee: $75 per ensemble

Registration Deadline: TBD

Registration Form: TBD

An Important Note

To qualify for MMEA State Jazz Festivals, groups must perform for a rating and receive a I or II. There is no sight-reading component at the district level, but there is a sight reading component worth a total of 5 points towards the overall score at the state festival.

Festival Policies

Please be sure to read over the D3 festival policies to learn more about withdrawal, chaperones, fees, and more!