43rd Annual Western Invitational Jazz Festival - Saturday March 1, 2025

The Festival

1. Each band will have 20 minutes of stage time (set-up, performance, and exit).

2. Performance is limited to three (3) selections: 1 Swing, 1 Ballad, and 1 free choice.

3. Adjudicators will offer comments only. No ratings.

4. All schools are encouraged to bring a combo. Performance time will be 20 minutes –music selection is open.

RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS

1. Adjudicators will select an “Outstanding Band” and an “Outstanding Combo” of the day. Each will be invited to perform on the evening concert with the same selections performed in the festival.

2. Outstanding individual performances will be recognized to all deserving students during our Festival Awards Ceremony.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Clinic by Sean Jones.

2. Performances by the WMU JAZZ LAB BAND and the ADVANCED JAZZ ENSEMBLE

3. An evening concert at 7:30 p.m., featuring the outstanding high school big band & combo, with Sean Jones, the WESTERN JAZZ COLLECTIVE and WMU JAZZ ORCHESTRA.

4. Purchase Tickets in advance through Ludus. THIS EVENT IS FREE FOR FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS AND ENSEMBLE DIRECTORS.

REGISTRATION

The WIJF registration form and payment option is now available. Registrations are accepted on a “first come – first serve” basis. Visit our above website to register and for more information.

We look forward to the opportunity to hear your band and share with you the special talents of our guest artists, as well as our beautiful music facilities here at WMU.

COST

A fee of $15 per student is being set to cover festival costs. There is NO additional charge for combo participation if you bring a big band.

If you bring ONLY a combo, a fee of $17 per student will be assessed. Payment options are found at the conclusion of the electronic registration found at the above WMU Jazz Area website link.

Dr. Scott Cowan
School of Music
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5434
email: scott.cowan@wmich.edu