Join us for the 8th annual University of Tennessee Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. This non-competitive festival is a fantastic opportunity for you and your students to perform in the beautiful Natalie L. Haslam Music Center and learn from world-class musicians and educators on the UT Jazz Faculty in clinics and masterclasses. The day wraps up with an inspiring and exciting afternoon performance featuring UT students and faculty. All are invited to this celebration of America’s greatest original art form.

Performance Opportunities

Your registration entitles you to a 30-minute slot, encompassing both your performance and an on-stage clinic. Additionally, you will receive constructive written feedback from all clinicians evaluating your band’s performance. Performances will take place in either the Orchestra Room (NHMC 110) or the Band Room (NHMC 135), with a recommended time distribution of 10-15 minutes for the performance and 10-20 minutes for the clinic.

To facilitate your preparation, warm-up spaces equipped with music stands, chairs, and a limited selection of rhythm section equipment will be made available. Furthermore, each performance venue will be equipped with a drum set, vibraphone, bass and guitar amps, and a grand piano, ensuring a well-equipped and conducive environment for your musical showcase.

Workshops

The afternoon jazz workshops, featuring esteemed clinicians and UT faculty, are among the highlights of the festival. Participants can choose from a range of options, such as middle-school improvisation, high-school improvisation, and rhythm section sessions, tailored to meet the distinct needs and interests of each student.

Students are encouraged to bring their instruments, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore and experiment with new ideas under the mentorship of seasoned musicians and educators. The workshops offer a secure and supportive environment, fostering creativity and growth.

Afternoon Concert

The day culminates with a specially curated performance from the students and faculty of the historic University of Tennessee jazz program, including small group performances featuring Gregory Tardy, Jon Hamar, Denin Slage-Koch, Vance Thompson, Keith Brown, and more. The program includes original music from the faculty and students alongside jazz classics for a diverse and unique set. Your students will leave the show fired up about jazz and energized to learn more!

Registration

There is a registration fee of $125 for large ensembles, $75 for small ensembles of nine or fewer members, and $10 for individuals. For other questions, please e-mail Keith Brown at kbrown15@utk.edu.