2025 Festival Rules

Vocal Jazz Large Group

Vocal Jazz Small Group

1. Each ensemble must have a minimum of 4 student vocalists and a maximum of 12.
2. Ensembles in the Vocal Jazz – 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.
3. 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.
4. Ensembles in competitive divisions will be placed in divisions by school enrollment.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Vocal Jazz A Cappella

1. Each ensemble must have a minimum of 4 student vocalists.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Ensembles in competitive divisions will be placed in divisions by school enrollment.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Vocal Solo

1. Students entering the Jazz Vocal Solo Category must be registered by their school director or other school official.
2. Students will submit their vocal video recordings consisting of 2 “Jazz” vocal selections of varying styles by January 15, 2025. Although not mandatory incorporating Scat singing as part of your performance is appreciated. Each selection should not exceed 5 minutes in length.
3. The top 10 vocalists chosen by the committee will be invited to attend the National Jazz Festival and compete in a live performance setting.
4. The top 10 students and alternates will be informed of their selection status by February 15, 2025
5. Rules and performance selection information will be emailed to the students selected to perform at the National Jazz Festival.