Utah State Jazz Festival

Friday and Saturday, March 26-27, 2010.
Jordan High School

Performance Schedule

Festival Information

1. Sight Reading Changes

This year we will attempt to make our Sight-Reading at the State Jazz Festival more of a "Real World Experience" similar to that of a studio recording gig. Typically, studio musicians may arrive early and spend a few minutes looking through the music to be recorded. A conductor for a studio gig should have time to look at the score as well. As such, we have altered the format of the Sight-Reading this year. Please read the following instructions and let me know if you have any questions.

You will choose your sight-reading piece when you arrive. You will choose from 3-4 tunes and receive a copy of the score and parts. You (as a director) will have a little time to look at it while listening to other bands perform. You may choose to read through or rehearse the Sight-Reading tune during your performance Warm-Up time (students are allowed to play). After you perform your prepared set on stage, you will have 3 minutes to work the Sight-Reading piece, while still on-stage. Students may play during these 3 minutes. After the 3 minutes, your band will be adjudicated on a run-through of the Sight-Reading, while still on stage. Please do not extend solo sections. Time is limited. Adjudication of the Sight-Reading will be from the same 3 adjudicators that judge your prepared pieces. Their score will be averaged out to one Sight-Reading score. The Sight-Reading scores will NOT be averaged with your performance scores.

After the Festival, I would be interested in your input on the new format and Sight-Reading rubric. Please give this idea a chance. If we hate it after we've tried it, then we can discuss further changes AFTER the festival.

2. CD's

Don't bring cassette tapes. We're going digital and will have CD's on hand. You will also get a recording of your performance.

3. Scores

Bring 3 scores for adjudicators. They should be legal - either purchased originals or LEGAL copies with a letter indicating that originals are on order or that you have authorization from the publisher to copy. This policy is being debated and may be changed in the future. For now, we have to live with the cost. Sorry.

4. Adjudication sheets

Please bring 3 copies of the "Jazz Ensemble Adjudication" sheets. They are available at the UHSAA website. Please have them typed and on white paper. Turn them in when you get to the State festival. If you submitted them already, please email me to confirm that I have them. If you're in the process of collecting them from your district's directors, thanks for your effort, but that will not be necessary.

5. Listening - As usual, you should plan on listening to at least 2 other bands. This will be on the schedule.

6. Available on stage: Piano, drum set, congas, vibes, bass amp, guitar amp, 2-3 microphones, music stands, some chairs.

7. Adjudicators: Ray Smith (BYU), Don Keipp (Weber), Richard Chatelain (retired) Clinicians: James Burton (Snow College), Denson Angulo (most Utah colleges/universities)