We are pleased to announce the 58th Annual Drury Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in the newly renovated Spangler Hall, on the campus of Drury University. The Drury Jazz Festival is a competitive event that allows students and directors to perform for and receive comments from some of the best jazz musicians and educators in the country. Bands are scheduled for a 30-minute performance slot, and competition will take place in the following divisions: Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Second/Third Band, Jr. High/Middle School, Combo and Non-Competitive Bands. After each performance, a clinic will take place from the adjudication panel.
First, second and third places will be awarded in each of the competitive classes and an outstanding solo award will be given in all classes. Players in all classes are also eligible for Outstanding Musicianship Certificates.
Awards will be presented at the final concert featuring Drury Jazz Ensemble I with guest soloists. The concert will take place following the final high school performance of the day, typically around 5:30pm, depending on the schedule of bands, which is typically released about one week prior to the festival.
The deadline for entries is Friday, February 7, 2025. The performance schedule will be sent to you approximately one week prior to the festival. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions.
Lori Hutton
Director of Jazz Studies
lhutton@drury.edu
(417) 873-4078 (office)
Registration is now open:
General Information
Performances will take place between approximately 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the festival. Each performing group will receive comments from the judges based on their performance. Groups wishing to compete will also receive scores from each judge. After each performance, a clinic will take place from the adjudication panel.
Classification
Classification is based on current Missouri State High School Activities association enrollments. Classes include Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. In addition, classes will be available for Second/Third Bands, Junior High/Middle School, Combo, and Non-Competitive Bands.
Eligibility
Participants must meet requirements of the National Federation of State High School Activities Associations.
Instrumentation
Large Jazz Ensembles must have a minimum instrumentation of ten players. Combos can range from 4-9 players, but must contain at least one wind player.
Adjudication
Three judges will hear each band. Judges’ packets will be available immediately after the final concert.
Performance Regulations
Each group is allotted a 30-minute performance slot, which includes set up and tear down. Performances should include a variety of style and tempo. Directors may not accompany or perform with their group. Jazz directors may provide copies of the score for the judges. This is optional and will not affect the scoring of the competition.
Scheduling
Bands will be scheduled with consideration to travel time and distance. If you have special scheduling requests, please indicate on your registration form.
Equipment
Performance stage
Chairs, stands, piano, 4 microphones (one is stationary on the piano and will not be moved) and a PA system.
Warm-up room (available 30 minutes prior to performance time)
Chairs, stands
If other equipment is needed, please contact me well in advance of the festival. I will try to accommodate all reasonable requests so long as advance notice is given.
There is very limited space for equipment storage, and you must remove your equipment immediately following your performance. In addition, absolutely no playing will be allowed in the hallways. Cases and equipment must be kept out of hallways due to fire regulations.
We take every possible precaution to ensure the safety and security of your equipment. Theft has not been a problem in the past, nor do we anticipate it being so in the future. However, the festival does not assume any responsibility for lost or stolen equipment.
Entry Fees
Entry fees are $250 per ensemble (combo or band). Additional entries from the same school will be $200 each. Entry fees or vouchers must be in our hands before your group will be allowed to compete. Checks may be made out to Drury University Jazz Festival. Please indicate on the entry form if you need an invoice sent to your business office for the festival entry fee. Please check this with your business office before submitting the registration form.
Refunds
NO refunds will be made to bands who cancel after the entry deadline for any reason.
Entry Deadline
The entry deadline for this year’s festival is Friday, February 7, 2025. Your entry materials must include the entry form, check, cash or vouchers and all completed forms.
Parking
Loading and unloading of buses for groups performing in Spangler Hall in Clara Thompson Building will take place in front of Clara Thompson on Benton St. Bus parking will be available in Lot 7 on the Drury University campus. Overflow parking will be available if necessary – information will be available closer to festival date.
Food
More information will be posted at a later date.
Awards
Awards will be announced at the end of the daytime activities, approximately 5:30 p.m. A short concert will be given by the Drury Jazz Ensemble I with guest soloists. Awards can be picked up at a later date to those not present.
Schedules
Performance times will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis, trying to keep all classes together. Where possible, consideration will be given to schools traveling large distances to the festival. If you need ANY special scheduling consideration, please indicate this on your registration form.
Schedules will be sent to you via email one to two weeks prior to the festival. Please make sure that we have a valid email address to ensure that you receive the schedule that day.
