THE FESTIVAL
High schools, Middle schools, Colleges, and Community Bands from across the nation and other countries come together in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center to showcase the talents of their jazz musicians, experience a full day of jazz and attend educational clinics. Jazz ensembles, vocal groups and soloists are allotted a performance time and room where they set up, warm up and perform in front of adjudicators and attendees.
Constructive verbal feedback is given following the performance. Each ensemble has the opportunity to perform in either a competitive or non-competitive class. There are no ratings, however at the end of the evening the top 3 ensembles in each division will be announced at the Award Ceremony. A full recap sheet of competitive groups will be released at the end of the festival. Non-competitive groups will not be included on that recap.
Pre-festival events and performance opportunities begin on Wednesday, April 15th.
The National Jazz Festival LOVE Award was created to honor a middle or high school student who has used their passion for music to better the lives of others through activism and/or community service. Students are nominated by their directors, parents, or fellow musicians.
Presented at evening NJF Awards Ceremony. Nominate your student by clicking on the link below.
National Jazz Festival’s Educator of the Year Award is awarded to an exemplary middle or high school educator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to students and to jazz music education. The awardee models best practices in teaching inside and outside of the classroom and demonstrates outstanding leadership and excellence in education.
Presented at evening NJF Awards Ceremony. Nominate your educator by clicking on the link below.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
The NJF is grounded in a philosophy of personal growth and education and our annual high school jazz competition fosters friendly competition, musical education and the development of lasting connections between young jazz musicians. High school jazz bands and middle school jazz bands from across the nation are inspired to take jazz to the next level through education, collaboration and celebration.
Consider making a donation to support our mission to provide a festival with an educational philosophy that is free for all to attend.
The National Jazz Festival is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization ID 83-3751080