Jazz Festival Guidelines

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

Date: Sat. September, 27, 2025

Location: Clark High School 4291Pennwood Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102

Registration September 14 -21, 2025

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 Social Only , 12:45, 2:00, 3:30 Ragtime participants

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-Rock & Roll

• Blues

• Big Band

• Dixieland Jazz,

• Latin Jazz

• Ragtime

• Social (see Social Guidelines page for additional information)

• 
  

Student Arrangements

It is essential to ensure that the arrangements are either in the public domain or that proper licensing permissions have been granted.

This ensures that students can legally arrange and perform the pieces without infringing on copyright laws.

Time Limit

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.

Original Music

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

Memorization

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, Musicality, and Repertoire.

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

Awards

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.

JUDGES CHOICE AWARD will be presented to the performer who exemplifies the spirit of Jazz or Social music. To be considered for this award the performer must receive a Superior with Distinction AND clearly exhibit showmanship and audience appeal.

This award honors a performance that left a lasting impression, regardless of score or category and stands out for its overall musicality, creativity, and impact. Decision of the judges 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.

Teacher Volunteer

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.

Jazz, Ragtime, & Blues

Social Music Guidelines

SOCIAL Music Category at the Jazz Ragtime and Blues Festival.

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

Date: Sat. September 27, 2025 Jazz Festival 11:30 am

Location: Clark High School 4291Pennwood Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102

Registration September 14-21, 2025

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

This category is being introduced as an experiment to gauge interest and expand our musical offerings.

What is the SOCIAL Music Category?

This category will feature a variety of music styles that extend beyond our traditional jazz, Ragtime, and Blues focus.

SOCIAL Music category includes:

• Classical Crossover: Classic pieces arranged in contemporary styles.

• Musical Theater: Popular tunes from the stage.

• Movie Music: Iconic soundtracks and scores.

• Anime Music: Memorable themes from your favorite anime.

• Video Game Music: Melodies and compositions from the gaming world.

• Social Media Music: Non-classical tracks made famous on social media platforms.

• New Age: Modern, soothing compositions.

• Non-Classical Music by Modern Composers: Contemporary pieces composed by today's composers.

Performance Level: EARLY INTERMEDIATE AND ABOVE ONLY

For the first year, we welcome performers from early intermediate level and up. This will ensure a diverse and engaging showcase of talent and creativity.

Schedule and Rules

Time Allocation: Only one recital,11:30 am will be dedicated to this category for this first year.

Rules: All other rules remain the same as the Jazz, Ragtime, and Blues Festival including entry fees, time limits, ensemble categories, memorization etc.

Music Copies: Performers must provide original copies or proof of purchase for all music performed. For the Social category there may be music available to download for free om the internet. Teacher must ensure that they cannot secure legal copies before utilizing these free downloads. Chairperson must approve downloaded sheet music in order for student to be eligible for honors medals and the outstanding award. Failure to obtain pre-approval will result in performance for comments only.

Contact festival chair, Marlene Meagher, with any questions.

lvmtajazz@gmail.com

702 427 5559 text