2025 FESTIVAL - National Jazz Festival

2025 Additional NJF Programs

*In addition to our 6th annual “12 hour” March 22 festival, NJF has organized 5 new EXCLUSIVE additional performance opportunities listed below. Arrive as early as March 19-21 and create a “Philly Jazz Experience” that will last a lifetime!

3 of the 5 new NJF Programs are available Saturday March 22 2025 Program 1 of 3 is our 6^th Annual Traditional Package:

Registration Fee is $500.00 for 25 members (additional members $25.00 each)

You perform 3 selections 20 minute performing time.
50 total minutes including set up and tear down.
Please provide 2 copies of conductor’s scores
2 adjudicators provide written comments and a brief post performance discussion with your ensemble members.
All students, directors and guests receive access to our NJF day long “We Love Jazz” Entertainment Room. (schedule forthcoming) and our fabulous awards ceremony featuring our world class NJF Big Band.
Large Vocal Ensemble performances will take place on stage at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts (5 minutes from the Convention Center) info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Below are 2 new additional NJF program options for your ensemble on March 22

All Ensembles can add an optional NJF “Clinic” (Program 2) & “Recording Studio” (Program 3)

In addition to your March 22 competitive or non-competitive Program 1 package NJF is now offering a limited number of Program 2 “Day of Festival” 45 minute clinics from one of our elite NJF visiting artists in a Convention Center Clinic Room. Also available will be college representatives providing audition information for your seniors and their parents. $500.00 Registration fee

Also available to schedule on Saturday March 22 our new “Program 3A“. An “Offsite” Philadelphia Recording Studio Tour or “Program 3B & C” your very own Professional Recording Performance Package. These are available near the Convention Center at our participating partnered Philadelphia NJF Recording Studio. Note: these March 22 packages are available for a limited number of ensembles before or after their March 22 Convention Center performances. Register early for us to coordinate this special opportunity for your students. info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Program 3A – $250.00 Registration fee: You and your students will experience a 45 minute visit to a professional Philadelphia recording studio. Let them see and experience a lifetime of memories where the magic of recording music happens. Perfect career exploration choice for your students.

Program 3B – $1000.00 Registration fee. Spend 90 minutes recording your ensemble in a professional Philadelphia recording studio. Leave Philadelphia with a professional stereo mix from multi-tracked channels. A life time of memories preserved by this unique performance of your ensemble. Program 3C – $1750.00 Registration fee: includes an NJF world class guest soloist to your 3B recording project. info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Friday March 21 2025 NJF Program Availability

Note: To facilitate the sharing of vocal students performing in multiple ensembles on Saturday March 22 our Large Vocal Ensemble adjudicators will be available Friday March 21 for Large Vocal Ensemble performances at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts. info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Program 2: $500.00 Registration fee: Receive a 45 minute clinic from one of our elite NJF visiting artists. Let them fine tune your ensemble for the upcoming Convention Center festival!

Program 3A, 3B & 3C: Philadelphia Recording Studio Tour or Recording Performance Package Option:

Program 3A – $250.00 Registration fee: You and your students will tour a professional Philadelphia recording studio. Let them see and experience a lifetime of memories where the magic of recording music happens. Perfect career exploration choice for your students.
Program 3B – $1000.00 fee: Spend 90 minutes recording in an NJF approved professional Philadelphia recording studio. Create a lifetime of memories and return home with a stereo mix and tracked performance of your ensemble.

Program 3C – $1750.00 Registration fee: add an NJF world class guest soloist to your 3B recording project. info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Program 4: $2000.00 Registration fee: Experience a Live Jazz Show & Dinner at one of Philadelphia’s Premier Jazz Clubs. Note this special NJF package is available on a limited basis. Attend a Jazz Concert. Dinner for 20 students and their director included. Additional tickets including dinner are available for parents & guests $100.00 each

Program 5: $2750.00 Registration fee Perform (that’s right we said PERFORM!) with an elite NJF guest artist at one of the famous “Philadelphia Jazz Clubs”. You will rehearse with the artist and perform one set in the evening. Dinner for 20 students and their director included. Additional tickets including dinner are available for parents & guests $100.00 each

Live Streaming services of your show can be added to this package

Recording services of your show can be added to this package.
info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Thursday March 20, 2025 NJF Programs 2-5 Availability:

45 minute Clinic, Recording Studio Tour/ Professionally Record Your Ensemble, Attend a Jazz Club Show with Dinner, Perform at A Jazz Club with Dinner included!

Program 2: $500.00 Registration fee: Receive a 45 minute clinic from one of our elite NJF visiting artists. Let them fine tune your ensemble for the upcoming Convention Center festival!

Program 3A, 3B & 3C: Philadelphia Recording Studio Tour or Recording Performance Package Option:

Program 3A – $250.00 Registration fee: You and your students will tour a professional Philadelphia recording studio. Let them see and experience a lifetime of memories where the magic of recording music happens. Perfect career exploration choice for your students.
Program 3B – $1000.00 fee: Spend 90 minutes recording in an NJF approved professional Philadelphia recording studio. Create a lifetime of memories and return home with a stereo mix and tracked performance of your ensemble.

Program 3C – $1750.00 Registration fee: add an NJF world class guest soloist to your 3B recording project. info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Live Streaming services of your show can be added to this package

Recording services of your show can be added to this package. info@nationaljazzfestival.org

Wednesday March 19 2025 NJF Program 2- 5 Availability:

45 minute Clinic, Recording Studio Tour/ Professionally Record Your Ensemble, Attend a Jazz Club Show with Dinner, Perform at a Jazz Club with Dinner included!

Program 2: $500.00 Registration fee: Receive a 45 minute clinic from one of our elite NJF visiting artists. Let them fine tune your ensemble for the upcoming Convention Center festival!
Program 3A 3B & 3C: Philadelphia Recording Studio Tour or Recording Performance Package Option:
Program 3A – $250.00 Registration fee: You and your students will tour a professional Philadelphia recording studio. Let them see and experience a lifetime of memories where the magic of recording music happens. Perfect career exploration choice for your students.
Program 3B – $1000.00 fee: Spend 90 minutes recording in an NJF approved professional Philadelphia recording studio. Create a lifetime of memories and return home with a stereo mix and tracked performance of your ensemble.
Program 3C – $1750.00 Registration fee: add an NJF world class guest soloist to your 3B recording project. info@nationaljazzfestival.org
Program 4: $2000.00 Registration fee: Experience a Live Jazz Show & Dinner at one of Philadelphia’s Premier Jazz Clubs. Note this special NJF package is available on a limited basis. Attend a Jazz Concert. Dinner for 20 students and their director included. Additional tickets including dinner are available for parents & guests $100.00 each
Program 5: $2750.00 Registration fee Perform (that’s right we said PERFORM!) with an elite NJF guest artist at one of the famous “Philadelphia Jazz Clubs”. You will rehearse with the artist and perform one set in the evening. Dinner for 20 students and their director included. Additional tickets including dinner are available for parents & guests $100.00 each
Live Streaming services of your show can be added to this package
Recording services of your show can be added to this package.
info@nationaljazzfestival.org

FESTIVAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

NJF Performance Code Of Conduct: As director/school representative, I declare that our school will follow all the National Jazz Festival rules and regulations. We enter the NJF promising to uphold the integrity of the festival and look forward to participation in a fun and fair environment.
Canceled event: the NJF reserves the right to cancel the festival due to circumstances related to travel/venue/city restrictions, lack of participation or funding.
The NJF will not be liable for any traveling costs associated with a cancellation of the event. We strongly recommend travel insurance for all expenses.
Refund Policy: Bands and performers that cancel will receive a refund if the cancellation is received as follows: Refunds will be given if the cancellation for bands or performers is made prior to January 1, 2025. No refund will be given if cancellation for bands or performers is made after that date.
Privacy/Images: All individuals participating in any manner in any part of the Festival grant permission to the NJF to take and use: photographs and video images of Festival participants for unlimited use in news releases, advertisement, promotional, or other commercial purposes, including but not limited to web sites or other electronic media without any compensation to the Festival participant. All such photographic and video images, negatives, prints and digital reproductions shall be the property of the NJF.
Indemnification. Customer shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the National Jazz Festival (NJF), its officers, agents and employees harmless from and against any and all liability, loss, expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) or claims for injury or damages arising from participation at any NJF location events. This includes damages caused by or result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions by festival participants, its officers, agents or employees.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and NJF shall defend, indemnify and hold Customer, its officers, agents and employees harmless from and against any and all liability, loss, expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) or claims for injury or damages arising out of the performance of this Agreement, but only in proportion to and to the result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of the Authority, its officers, agents or employees. The indemnification of Customer by the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority contained in this paragraph is expressly limited by and subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority Act, 64 PAC.S. 6001 et seq. (“Act”) or any amendment thereof and all other provisions of applicable law as well as by the limits of the Pennsylvania Convention Center and NJF available insurance.

FESTIVAL GENERAL RULES

All students participating in an ensemble must be from the same school. All-star ensembles from the same district or ensembles comprised of students from more than 1 school in a district will be allowed to perform in the “non-competitive” category.
All ensembles and individuals must be registered by a school director or school official to ensure that the students are in “good standing” with their school and also to ensure that the school is aware of the students’ participation. This includes the Jazz Vocal Solo and Jazz Recording Arts Categories.
Schools may enter more than one ensemble in each category and each performing group will be placed in the appropriate division by school population. If a school registers more than one ensemble, those ensembles will be in the same division. Ensembles will be received in order of registration. For schools that have more than one ensemble however wish not to compete against their own school, they choose to perform in the non-competitive division. Instrumental Academy Division is by director choice of wanting to compete against bands that primarily have Jazz as a class daily. info@nationaljazzfestival.org
If a school has more than 1 ensemble in a specific performance category, each ensemble must be comprised entirely by other (different) students. The only exception would be in instrumental ensembles where the student is playing an entirely different instrument in each ensemble. There are no exceptions in the vocal categories.
All self-reporting of school information, ensemble information, and individual information must be truthful. Ensembles or individuals reporting inaccurate or false information in order to gain a competitive advantage will be disqualified and not allowed to participate in future National Jazz Festivals.
All rules and regulations of each ensemble and individual category must be followed.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE 12/15/2024

CATEGORY RULES

High School & Middle School Large Ensemble & Small Ensemble Rules

Large ensembles must have a minimum of 14 student musicians.
Small ensembles must have a maximum of 13 student musicians.
Music selections, quantity of selections, and styles are all at the discretion of the directors, however there should be a clear jazz influence. It is not mandatory, however varied styles/selections are suggested. Our adjudicators want to see what you do well and how much you can do well! The only limitation is the 20 minutes of performance time allotted for each group.
Ensembles in competitive divisions will be initially placed in divisions by school enrollment, A Large Instrumental Ensemble director can elect to compete in the new for 2025 “Arts Academy Large Instrumental Division”. This is for Instrumental programs that primarily have daily rehearsals and wish to compete with large instrumental ensembles having similar programs. The “Arts Academy Large Instrumental Division” adds an additional NJF adjudicator to your performance room. Contact us with questions before registering. info@nationaljazzfestival.org
Schools may enter more than one ensemble in the Small & Large Division category and each performing group will be placed in the appropriate division by school population. If a school registers more than one ensemble, those ensembles will be in the same division. Only one large ensemble per school can register in the new “Academy Division”. All Ensembles will be received in order of registration. For schools that have more than one ensemble and wish not to compete against their own school, they can choose to perform in the non-competitive division. Any ensemble is welcome to perform in the non-competitive division. Contact us with questions before registering. info@nationaljazzfestival.org
Each ensemble will have exactly 20 minutes of performance time. Each ensemble will be timed from the first note of their first performance selection until the final cut-off of their final performance selection. Ensembles may not “restart” their performance for any reason. Once the clock starts it will continue to run. The 20 minutes of performance time is finite. Any ensemble exceeding the 20-minute performance time will be automatically disqualified. A timing of 19:59 or 20:00 is acceptable, however a time of 20:01 is not. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERFORMANCE TIME.

Vocal Jazz Large Ensemble & Small Ensemble Rules

All Vocal Jazz Large & Small Group

Large ensembles must have a minimum of 13 student vocalists. All Large Vocal Ensemble performances will take place on stage at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts (5 minutes from the Convention Center)
Small ensembles must have a minimum of 4 student vocalists and a maximum of 12.
Ensembles in the Vocal Jazz – Large and Small Group category may use a student rhythm section (combo) or 1 adult professional on piano only. Directors may not sing along with their ensembles, however, are able to direct their ensembles in the appropriate manner.
Music selections, quantity of selections, and styles are all at the discretion of the directors, however there should be a clear jazz influence. It is not mandatory, however varied styles/selections are suggested. Our adjudicators want to see what you do well and how much you can do well! The only limitation is the 20 minutes of performance time allotted for each group.
Ensembles in competitive divisions will be placed in divisions by school enrollment.
Schools may enter more than one ensemble in the adjudicated category. Each performing group will be placed in the appropriate division by school population. If a school registers more than one ensemble, those ensembles will be in the same division. Ensembles will be received in order of registration. For schools that have more than one ensemble and wish not to compete against their own school, they can choose to perform in the non-competitive division. Any ensemble is welcome to perform in the non-compete division. Contact us with questions before registering.
Each ensemble will have exactly 20 minutes of performance time. Each ensemble will be timed from the first note of their first performance selection until the final cut-off of their final performance selection. Ensembles may not “restart” their performance for any reason. Once the clock starts it will continue to run. The 20 minutes of performance time is finite. Any ensemble exceeding the 20-minute performance time will be automatically disqualified. A timing of 19:59 or 20:00 is acceptable, however a time of 20:01 is not. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERFORMANCE TIME.

Vocal Jazz A Cappella Rules

Vocal Jazz A Cappella

Each ensemble must have a minimum of 4 student vocalists.
Ensembles in the Vocal Jazz – A Cappella category may not use any accompaniment whatsoever. Directors may use a pitch pipe or piano to establish pitches prior to each performance selection. Directors may not sing along with their ensembles, however, are able to direct their ensembles in the appropriate manner.
Music selections, quantity of selections, and styles are all at the discretion of the directors, however there should be a clear jazz influence. It is not mandatory, however varied styles/selections are suggested. Our adjudicators want to see what you do well and how much you can do well! The only limitation is the 20 minutes of performance time allotted for each group.
Ensembles in competitive divisions will be placed in divisions by school enrollment.
Schools may enter more than one ensemble in this category and each performing group will be placed in the appropriate division by school population. If a school registers more than one ensemble, those ensembles will be in the same division. Ensembles will be received in order of registration. For schools that have more than one ensemble who wish not to compete against their own school, can choose to perform in the non-competitive division. Any ensemble can elect to perform in the non-competitive division.
Each ensemble will have exactly 20 minutes of performance time. Each ensemble will be timed from the first note of their first performance selection until the final cut-off of their final performance selection. Ensembles may not “restart” their performance for any reason. Once the clock starts it will continue to run. The 20 minutes of performance time is finite. Any ensemble exceeding the 20-minute performance time will be automatically disqualified. A timing of 19:59 or 20:00 is acceptable, however a time of 20:01 is not. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERFROMANCE TIME!

Jazz Vocal Solo Rules

Jazz Vocal Solo

Students entering the Jazz Vocal Solo Category must be registered by their school director or other school official.
Students will submit their vocal video recordings consisting of 2 “Jazz” vocal selections of varying styles by November 15, 2024. Although not mandatory incorporating Scat singing as part of your performance is appreciated. Each selection should not exceed 5 minutes in length.
The top 10 vocalists chosen by the committee will be invited to attend the National Jazz Festival and compete in a live performance setting.
The top 10 students and alternates will be informed of their selection status by December 15, 2024
Rules and performance selection information will be emailed to the students selected to perform at the National Jazz Festival.

Recording Arts Rules

Recording Arts

Students entering the Jazz Recording Arts Category must be registered by their school director or other school official by December 15, 2024.
- Jazz Recording Arts Submission Guidelines:
Jazz Style: You may choose any jazz style for your composition, including Bebop, Latin Jazz, Big Band, Swing, Blues, or any other jazz subgenre. Feel free to explore creative interpretations, like how Tony Succar reimagined Michael Jackson’s music through Latin Jazz, but stay true to the core elements of jazz. See an example here.
Creativity and Realism: Your compositions should aim for a realistic jazz sound. You may use real recorded instruments, virtual instruments, or a mix of both. We encourage you to push your creative boundaries while ensuring your piece remains cohesive. Feel free to combine genres in your compositions.
Mixing and Mastering: While we encourage you to mix and master your submission to the best of your ability, we will primarily be judging the originality and creativity of your work. Focus on crafting a unique and expressive piece that reflects your artistic vision.
Instrumentation: There are no limits on the number of instruments you can use in your composition. However, be mindful of maintaining the integrity of the jazz style you’ve selected.
Submission Format: You may submit your work as an MP3 or MP4 file. While a musical chart of your composition is optional, please ensure that your audio or video submission is the best representation of your piece. If selected as a finalist, we may ask for a higher-quality version of your composition.
Submission Process: Send your composition to The National Jazz Festival at RAD@nationaljazzfestival.org by January 15, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to reach us at the same email address.
info@nationaljazzfestival.org

National Jazz Festival