EVENT OVERVIEW
FRIDAY, MAY 5
Middle/Junior High
Bands can choose to perform in the competitive category or non-competitive category. Everyone will get an off-stage clinic. The top bands from the competitive category will perform in the finals concert Friday evening.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
High School
A/AA Division, 3A Division, and 4A Division will be performing at the Bellevue High School Performing Arts Center. The evening finals competition will showcase the top three bands that performed the day of in their respective divisions at 7:30 PM. We will also announce the Festival Sweepstakes Winner.
Depending on registration, a 2nd/3rd band category may be added.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Each band will have 20 minutes for warming up, 20 minutes for performing, and 20 minutes for working with a clinician. Times will be provided with the packet emailed to you after registering for the festival. After clinic, the band will be guided to an area for pictures and then to instrument storage. If you have a scheduling request, we will do our best to accommodate you, but nothing is guaranteed.
ADJUDICATORS
The Jazz Festival is proud to announce that the following musicians and educators from across the state and across the country will be judging our 2023 competition:
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Emily Asher (New York) - Bandleader, Trombonist https://www.emilyasher.com
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Dr. Ollie Liddell (Memphis) - Jazz Educator
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George Colligan (Portland) Multi-Instrumentalist, Portland State University http://georgecolligan.com/
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Taryn Zickefoose - Drummer, Middle School Band Director
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Chris Bruya – Trumpet, Retired CWU Jazz Director
DIVISION CLASSIFICATIONS
FRIDAY DIVISIONS
Middle School and Junior High Bands can choose to enter the Competitive or Non-Competitive Divisions.
SATURDAY DIVISIONS
A/AA DIVISION: Recommended for WIAA classification A/AA schools for their Jazz Band I, 3A Jazz II, and 4A Jazz III
3A DIVISION: Recommended for WIAA classification 3A schools for their Jazz Band I and 4A Jazz Band II
4A DIVISION: Recommended for WIAA classification 4A schools for their Jazz Band I
2nd/3rd BAND DIVISION: Reserved for 2nd or 3rd Bands but those schools could also register for the A/AA, 3A, 4A divisions if they choose.
FESTIVAL RULES
PRELIMINARY COMPETITION
All band members must represent one school. No "All-Star" bands are allowed. Performances are limited to 20 minutes, including set-up time. Bands are also granted 20 minutes for warming up and a 20 minute clinic with one of our adjudicators. After clinic, you will be guided to get pictures taken and then to instrument storage where all your belongings will be watched over. A student volunteer will be there to guide and assist your band throughout the day.
FINALS COMPETITION
The top three bands from each division must perform in the Finals Competition in order to be eligible for a trophy. In addition, all bands must perform one new song for the finals (7 minutes or less). Once finals have completed, trophies will be handed out to the top bands from each of the divisions along with awards for outstanding soloists. A revolving "Sweepstakes" trophy will be awarded to the outstanding band at the festival, as selected by the adjudicators.
MULTIPLE BANDS
Each student may only perform with one band to be eligible for finals. If a student is missing from an ensemble, up to 2 students may substitute, but only for the same school. For more information, please contact us. The Bellevue High Band and the Bellevue High Jazz Festival reserves the right to change and alter the rules stated above at any given point in time.
EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE
PROVIDED EQUIPMENT
Risers, PA system with microphone, grand piano, bass amp, guitar amp, vibraphones, and congas. Bands must use the drum set provided, but they may use their own cymbals. The standard Big Band stage will be set up. Chairs and stands will be provided for a maximum of 32 band members.
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
Sufficient instrument storage will be provided for all bands. Bellevue High School and the Bellevue High Band are not responsible for loss or damage to any instruments and/or equipment. Please clearly label your instruments with your name, school, address, and phone number.
REGISTER YOUR BANDS
ENTRY FEES
An invoice will be sent to your given email address with a link to pay for entry, or you may opt to send a check. If you are sending a check, please make the check out to the "Bellevue High Band Boosters" and send to Bellevue High School before the date of the festival. The price of entry this year will be $300 per band.
PAYMENT WITH CHECKS
Please make checks payable to the following address:
Bellevue High Jazz Festival, Bellevue High School
Attn: Edd George
10416 SE Wolverine Way
Bellevue, WA 98004-6698
ONLINE FORM
Complete the online form below. Fill out multiple forms if you are signing up multiple bands, this will ensure your bands are placed in the correct division. Once you have submitted your form, a confirmation email will be sent to the email provided. Please read the email and wait for further instructions from bellevuehighband@outlook.com.