SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival
14th Annual
SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival
Friday and Saturday, April 5th & 6th, 2024
The State's Oldest Jazz Festival...
66 years running!
About the Festival
The Jazz Festival is a competitive, educational event where high school and college jazz bands perform at 30 minute intervals throughout the day. Participating ensembles receive critique sheets from each of the nationally renowned jazz educators, and are strongly encouraged to hear performances of at least two other bands. This will provide valuable listening opportunities for young, developing musicians, plus ensure appreciative, dedicated audiences for all of the performing groups.
Division ratings will appear on each band's critique sheet and trophies will be awarded on the consensus of the judges at the awards ceremony. First, Second, and Third place will be awarded within each category: college, high school and middle school. Outstanding Soloists and Musicians will also be selected. Awards will be announced and presented during the SHSU Jazz Ensemble closing performance. This adds an element of excitement to the festivities and recognizes superior individual achievement.
Each group registration fee of $450 includes the adjudication, an audio cd of the performance, access to clinics and the daytime performances as well as admittance to the evening concert. Evening concert tickets for the general public can be purchased separately.
