Event Chair: Marlene Meagher 702 427-5559   lvmtajazz@gmail.com

Date: Sat. Sept. 30, 2023  Jazz Festival 

Location: Performing Arts Conservatory 675 E. Dale Rd, Henderson, NV 89044

Registration Sept. 12-Sept. 19, 2023

Entry fees: $25 for solo, $20 for each member of an ensemble. example Duet $40, Trio $60.

Recital times are:  8:00, 9:00, 10:15, 11:30, 12:45, 2:00, 3:30 Ragtime only.

Jazz Festival is open to school age students. Festival will be in-person. 

Piano, Voice, Winds, Strings, Percussion may enter. ONE Piano and a music stand will be provided, any additional equipment must be supplied by the entrant or their teacher AND must be able to set up and take down with no interruption of the festival. 

Students MUST perform music from one of the following Jazz Genres: Swing, Be-Bop, Boogie Woogie, Blues, Big Band, Dixieland Jazz, Latin Jazz, or Ragtime. Students may also perform any selection at their level from books specifically in Jazz Styles such as but not limited to  “Jazz, Rags, and Blues” Mier or the Mier Jazz Alfred Series, “Jazz a Little Jazz a Lot” - Rollin, “Jazz ‘n Rags at Your Fingertips”-Vogt, “Especially in Jazzy Style”-Alexander, “Celebrated Jazzy Solos”-Vandall, “Simply Jazzy”-Goldston. Disney songs and Pop music are not acceptable music choices unless the arrangement is in true jazz style. Only Broadway music that is in a true jazz style will be allowed. 

There is a 3-minute time limit for Primer through Intermediate levels. Advanced Students have a maximum of 5 minutes, one selection only.  Primer through Intermediate may perform 1 or 2 pieces as long as they stay within the their time limit. PLEASE keep in mind that one overall rating will be given for the entire performance for example, if a student does an outstanding performance on one piece but an average performance on the second piece the student will receive a rating that reflects the two performances combined. 

Categories: Solo, Duet, Trio, Quartet

Registration blocks are on a first come basis.  If a time block is full, you will need to register for another block.

Students must provide the judge with an original hard copy of the music. No photo copies will be accepted. For digital music, proof of purchase is required.  

Piano and Vocal Solos must be memorized.  Wind, String, and Percussion solos do not need to be memorized. Duets, Trios, Quartets do not require memorization. Teachers who perform accompaniments with their students MUST have the student part blocked out so judges know student has their part memorized.

Judging Criteria: Creativity, Technical Skills, Style, and Repertoire. 

All students receive a certificate. Students who earn a SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION will receive a gold Seal of Excellence on their certificate and a Medal.

Attire: Students may dress in costumes or outfits to complement their music selection otherwise recital attire is recommended. 

OUTSTANDING JAZZ PERFORMANCE AWARD will be presented to the performer who exemplifies the spirit of Jazz. To be considered for this award the performer must receive a Superior with Distinction AND clearly exhibit showmanship and audience appeal, a truly exceptional performance. One Outstanding performer will be awarded for each performance block.  Decision of the judge is final. 

The Yvonne Cloutier Ragtime Award of Excellence will be awarded to ONE student who shows a true understanding of ragtime style and displays an exceptional performance.   All students entering the Cloutier Ragtime festival must perform at the 3:30 recital. Decision of the judge is final.

All teachers who enter students must volunteer to serve for 2 time blocks in whatever capacity is needed unless prior arrangements have been made with the chairman.