Large Ensemble Division
Register for 2026 Festival Here
Each ensemble must have a minimum of 14 student musicians performing.
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.
In the event we need to expand any division into two competitive divisions ensembles may be place by school enrollment to facilitate a second judging panel. info@nationaljazzfestival.org
Schools may enter more than one ensemble in the Small & Large Division 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. 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-compete 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.
Jazz Masters Division
REGISTER FOR 2026 FESTIVAL HERE!
Unique day of festival opportunity for High Schools that are registering both a
Large Ensemble and Jazz Combo Ensemble. Registration fee includes One HS Large
Ensemble Competitive Registration, One HS Jazz Combo Competitive Registration, our NJF “Program 2” 50 minute clinic with one of our elite NJF artists and a
Competitive Sight Reading evaluation, All 3 scores are tabulated to determine
the “Jazz Masters” Division winner. Any questions contact info@nationaljazzfestival.org
Small Ensemble Division
Each ensemble must have 9 of 13 student musicians performing.
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.
In the event we need to expand any division into two competitive divisions ensembles may be place by school enrollment to facilitate a second judging panel. info@nationaljazzfestival.org
Schools may enter more than one ensemble in the Small & Large Division 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. 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-compete 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.
Jazz Combo Division
REGISTER FOR 2026 FESTIVAL HERE!
This NJF Division is for 3-8 performing musicians. You will perform 3 selections in the style of classic Jazz trio’s- octets. One selection must be a Modal Jazz tune, 1 selection a Swing tune and the 3rd Hoarse Silvers “Song for My Father”. See link below!
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. Any questions contact info@nationaljazzfestival.org We will be glad to help you with your tune selections!