JENERATIONS JAZZ FESTIVAL

JENerations Jazz Festival

The JENerations Jazz Festival runs concurrently with the Annual JEN Conference. Our pilot program began in 2012 and with each passing year we have added space for MORE ensembles to participate, with a total of 3 venues. More than 800 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, community and college musicians of all ages participate in this exciting weekend of jazz each year!

We invite YOU to add your ensemble name to this ever-growing list! Join us in this enriching event where world-class education is delivered in a totally non-competitive, nurturing environment to your students!

Photo by Rene Huemer

JENerations Jazz Festival

2023 Applications Open

MARCH 25

JEN Chapters
(Collegiate, School, & Community)


APRIL 1

Full Individual Members


First come – First served

(Until all available slots are filled.)



 Photo by Rene Huemer

In addition to having access to all the incredible clinics and concerts associated with the JEN Conference, JENerations Jazz Festival participating combos, big bands, and vocal jazz ensembles will perform for thirty minutes and immediately following the performance, receive a 30-minute clinic session with world-class clinicians featuring many of today’s biggest names in jazz! The clinician roster since inception has included the following individuals among many others:

Ruben Alvarez  •  Jay Ashby •  Steve Bailey  •  Jennifer Barnes  •  Wayne Bergeron  •  Don Braden  •  Ndugu Chancler  •  Caleb Chapman  •  John Clayton  •  Jeff Coffin  •  John Fedchock  •  Lou Fischer  •  Gordon Goodwin  •  Dan Haerle  •  Steve Houghton  •  Christian Howes  •  Javon Jackson  •  Dave Liebman  •  Connaitre Miller  •  Bob Mintzer  •  Michael Mossman  • Kevin Nash  •  Kim Nazarian  •  Bobby Shew  •  Bob Sinicrope  •  Ray Smith  •  Ed Soph  •  Michelle Weir  •  Jim Widner  •  Matt Wilson  •  Greg Yasinitsky  •  Victor Wooten  •  and many more

This is an incredible opportunity for schools throughout the world to celebrate America’s true art form, rub shoulders with today’s hottest jazz talent in attendance at the conference, and have an educational experience they will never forget.

Space is extremely limited, so reserve your spot today!

JJF FAQs

Large Group Arrival/Departure Information Form

If you are a Large Group planning to arrive to the hotel together, PLEASE complete the Large Group Arrival Form online which alerts the hotel to staffing needs the date of your arrival and the date of your departure.

Large Group Arrival/Departure Form


Question: Where do I find housing information online?

Answer: Official Conference Housing online


Question: My group is traveling by bus. Where can we park?

Answer: Click here to view more details.


Question: We are traveling by air. How do we get from the airport to the hotel?

Answer: Click the FAQ marked Conference Parking/Ground Transportation on the page linked here to view details

Updated as more information becomes available.  JEN attendee discounts are being negotiated and will be posted ASAP.

Bus Parking

Bus parking – Available Soon

 

 

JJF FAQ: INFORMATIVE INFORMATION related to your Participation!

My school ensemble is participating in the JENerations Jazz Festival.  What backline will be provided?

Answer: Each of the 3 JENerations Venues will have full backline provided which includes:

  • Professional Sound Reinforcement and Crew with limited microphones appropriate to each venue
    • All JJF clinic venues are equipped with a multi-channel mixer, speakers, and a monitor(s).
      • The VOCAL JJF clinic room is equipped with a maximum 16 microphones. If you require more than 16 microphones, OR specialty microphones, you should plan to bring them with you.
      • Instrumental JJF clinic rooms are equipped with a maximum of 5 microphones. If you require more than 5 microphones, OR specialty microphones, you should plan to bring them with you.
  • 1 Digital Piano provided by Yamaha
  • 1 Professional Quality Bass Amp provided by Fender
  • 1 Professional Quality Guitar Amp provided by Fender
  • 1 Professional Quality Drum set provided by Mapex
    • Bass Drum/snare drum/2 rack toms/1 floor tom/3 cymbal stands/hi-hat stand
    • JEN is not able to provide cymbals so please bring your own
  • Ample Music Stands for your ensemble as requested per your application
  • Percussion, including congas, timbales and trap stand as requested per your application
    • JEN does not provide specialty percussion items such as djembe, marimba, xylophone, etc.)
  • Electric Keyboard if requested in your application
  • JEN is not able to provide a B3 organ
  • JEN is not able to provide acoustic basses.
    • Contact information to rent a bass is provided below as it becomes available
  • ​​Sample downloadable Stage Plots are below for your reference

It’s late in the Fall and I just learned of a conflict with my scheduled performance time! Can I change it?

Answer: Should you request a different time after you were notified of your scheduling, we will attempt to accommodate your request, but may find it necessary to replace your performance due to the difficulty related to making changes at late dates in the scheduling process. Email office@wordpress-573658-1853764.cloudwaysapps.com with your request.


Will we have a warm-up room or Green Room to use prior to our performance?

Answer: You will be able to unpack your horns in a Green room in very close proximity to your JJF Performance/Clinic venue one hour prior to and immediately following your performance.  You will also be able to leave your cases in that green room during your performance.

NOTE: You may not play or warm-up in these rooms. You will be escorted to your performance/clinic venue by a JEN Representative 15-20 minutes PRIOR to your scheduled time slot.


Does JEN provide storage space for our horns and gear when we are not performing over the weekend?

Answer: JEN does not provide storage space for equipment on site.  For that reason we provide Full Backline in all venues. Please refer to the BACKLINE heading for items provided in order to determine what you need to bring.


I am in need of an hour or two to rehearse my ensemble when we arrive. Who do I speak with to arrange this?

Answer: JEN produces 65+ concerts, 65+ clinics, and 54 participant performance/clinics in the JJF during the annual conference, in addition to hosting upwards of 20 committee meetings, research and music business presentations. JEN is rarely able to provide rehearsal space for anyone, as all spaces are being used throughout the day and are often not available due to contractual obligation with the hotel. On rare occasion and subject to change in each location of the conference, meeting space or rehearsal space may become available, and is offered strictly on a first-come first-served basis for a small fee. Refer to the online form related to Conference Space Rental (generally Available after September 1st). Your best bet for rehearsal space is to seek help from one of the local schools in the region.

 


 


When I arrive to the conference site, where do I pick up my badge?

Answer: In order to move the lines faster, there are various lines at the Registration Counter. Please read this information in its entirety to find out where you should pick up your badge:

  • School & Community Ensemble Directors should pick up badges for the entire ensemble and chaperones at the Performers & Clinicians window. Badges will not be released to individual performers of any JJF ensemble.

How many Registration Credentials will we receive?

Answer: Ensembles will receive one (1) Registration Badge valid for the entire conference for each member of the ensemble AND the director. In addition,  you will receive an allotment for chaperone/management credentials  (1 additional badge per every 5 student participants in your ensemble(s) as detailed above. Additional badges for chaperones or additional directors above your allotment will be billed at $50 per chaperone.


My ensemble is scheduled to participate in the JENerations Jazz Festival. How do we receive our badges? Can you tell me when and how to send in the ensemble member information in order to register all of the members of my group, to be certain we have Registration Badges when we arrive at the conference site??

Answer: The window to submit this information online will be as follows:

  • September 1- November 21: Submit  conference badge registration for all participants within the JJF ensemble allotment:
  • $25 per individual participant
  • 1 complimentary director per ensemble ($50 per add’l. director)
  • 1 complimentary chaperone per five individual participants ($50 per add’l. chaperone)
  • Miss the November 21 deadline? Conference badge registration by directors of JJF ensembles who miss the November 21st deadline will need to pay a $50 registration service fee to register online between November 22nd and December 10th.
  • Miss the December 10 deadline? Conference badge registration by directors of JJF  ensembles who miss the December 10th deadline will need to be prepared to pay a $75 registration service fee on site at the conference registration window.

Anyone attending the conference is required to have a registration badge to move freely about the conference.


As an ensemble director, how many chaperone/management badges are we allowed to have?

Answer: Ensemble Directors are allowed to request one (1) additional chaperone badge for every 5 members in your ensemble, and yes, do count yourself in the ensemble total, rounding off to the nearest multiplier of five (5), to arrive at the total allotment for chaperones. For example, if you have an eighteen (18) piece big band + yourself, you will be allowed to request four (4) additional credentials beyond the members of your ensemble, as the nearest multiplier of five (5) is twenty (20). If you have a sixteen (16) piece ensemble + yourself, you will be allowed three (3) additional badges as the closest multiplier of five (5) is fifteen (15).


What if I need more badges than the allotment for additional chaperones/management/director?

Answer: Additional Chaperone/Management/Director Badges can be purchased by the leader or director of an ensemble for a nominal fee of $50, which grants the individual open access the entire conference, without purchasing membership. The ability to register additional chaperones/management is a privilege offered to you as a result of your ensemble being accepted to perform. The intent is to assist in allowing family members and supporters of your program to attend the conference to enjoy your performance at a reasonable rate. You will be billed after submitting your registration information for any chaperones beyond the established allotment.


Can I register additional chaperones/management/director personnel after the November 21st deadline for your group badge registration?

Answer: Additional Chaperone/Mgmt Badges will be sold until December 10th. After that time, people will need to stand in line at Registration. Plan ahead to avoid long lines in January!


I have family members that do not intend to attend the entire conference but do want to attend our concert. Can they do that?

Answer: Family members can purchase a Single Day Event Ticket for $20 (Children under 13 admitted free) to attend a specific daytime performance. Tickets are not sold for the Evening Performances in this manner. An Evening Concert Ticket-$60 must be purchased to attend any evening concert if an individual elects to purchase a ticket rather than a badge for the day or entire conference.


I need a Bass for my performance. Will JEN supply that for me?

Answer: JEN does not provide basses at the conference. However, we attempt to find local resources where you can rent a bass for your performance at the conference. We recommend you reserve a bass earlier than the week of the conference to ensure availability. Rental negotiations are your responsibility and obligation. JEN provides no liability in this regard. Information will be published as it becomes available.

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Participation Fees

After completing and clicking to SUBMIT the JENerations Jazz Festival Application Form, you will receive a Confirmation Screen. 

Participation includes a badge to attend the entire conference for each participating ensemble member AND the Director(s). In addition, you will receive one chaperone badge allotment per every five student participants in your ensemble(s). If you desire additional chaperone badges beyond the allotment, you will be able to purchase them for an additional fee of $50 each, also valid for the entire conference. There are two types of ‘participation’ fees to participate in the JENerations Jazz Festival component of the conference as detailed below.

ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION FEE  (due upon completing the online application process)

  • Large Ensemble Application Fee – $225
    • 10+ ensemble participants
  • Small Ensemble Application Fee – $150
    • 1-9 ensemble participants
Participants will be notified by direct email in September regarding how to pay the STUDENT PARTICIPATION FEES and register all participants in your party. If you have not received that email, DO contact the JEN office asap:
  • September 1- November 21: Submit  conference badge registration for all participants within the JJF ensemble allotment:
  • $25 per individual participant
  • 1 complimentary director per ensemble ($50 per add’l. director)
  • 1 complimentary chaperone per five individual participants ($50 per add’l. chaperone)
  • Miss the November 21 deadline? Conference badge registration by directors of JJF ensembles who miss the November 21st deadline will need to pay a $50 registration service fee to register online between November 22nd and December 10th.
  • Miss the December 10 deadline? Conference badge registration by directors of JJF  ensembles who miss the December 10th deadline will need to be prepared to pay a $75 registration service fee on site at the conference registration window.

Anyone attending the conference is required to have a registration badge to move freely about the conference.

Application Guidelines

  • First-Come First-Served.
  • Ensembles will not be accepted that include an abundance of duplicate members.
  • Membership in JEN (as an Individual or Chapter organizer, Institution or Corporate) is required of the ensemble Director to submit an application to participate.
  • You may apply for more than one group.
  • Presenting a clinic or performing does not prohibit you or your ensemble(s) from applying to participate in the JENerations Jazz Festival.
  • Having performed last year does NOT prohibit you or your ensemble(s) from participating again.

APPLICATION TYPES may include any style of music, including:

  • Traditional
  • Swing
  • BeBop
  • HardBop
  • Cool
  • Fusion
  • ECM
  • Neo-Bob
  • Free
  • Latin-Jazz
  • Rock
  • Funk
  • World Music
  • and more!
  • NOTE: You must be logged in as a Full JEN Individual Member, Chapter Member, Institution or Corporate Partner Member to apply to participate at the Annual JENerations Jazz Festival at the Conference. If you are an eJEN member and wish to upgrade to a Full Individual membership status, email the JEN Office (office@wordpress-573658-1853764.cloudwaysapps.com) or, call 312-781-6299 for assistance. 
  • Complete the application

 to participate.
  • You will be asked for the following information:
    • Contact Information
 from the person completing the application
    • Director’s information if you are a Representative completing the application for another person
    • Commitment to attend and participate and to reserve lodging in the Official JEN Conference hotel
      • Commuters within a 100 mile radius are exempt from the lodging requirement
    • Ensemble Information
    • An Ensemble Photo is requested but not a mandatory upload
    • You MUST upload a Stage Plot for your ensemble(s) in order to submit the application
      • Sample Stage Plots are provided below or you can design your own
    • Acceptance of Terms – As conference performer(s), you will be asked to agree to stay in the conference hotel unless you are commuting from within 100 miles of the conference. NOTE: Once you are invited to register your ensemble members for badges to attend, you will be asked to confirm your acceptance of the invitation and will be asked to provide a registration confirmation number from the conference hotel to verify you have complied with this important facet of the process. Compliance with this agreement ensures the organization remains financially stable, and allows JEN to reach the hotel imposed attrition rate related to the conference contract, which in turn provides JEN with the hotel event space to present the annual conference, thereby keeping the costs associated with conference production down.
    • Acceptance of Terms – Expense to be borne by individuals or sponsoring institution
    • Acknowledgement that membership as the Director will remain current at the time of the Conference
    • Acceptance of Terms – Permission to use name and likeness in promotion of the event and for future conference and JEN events
    • Release of JEN and Hotel Liability to participate in the conference
  • You will receive a Confirmation Screen which indicates you are Registered as a JJF Applicant.
  • ONCE ACCEPTED, You will be advised by the JJF Coordinator when to make payment for the appropriate fee(s) at a later date.
    • ​JEN accepts payment by credit card, a check, or School Purchase Order
    • Checks OR Purchase Order should be sent to: Jazz Education Network, JENerations Jazz Festival
      Phone: 1-312-781-6299
      Email: office@wordpress-573658-1853764.cloudwaysapps.com
    • Post Mail:

Jazz Education Network
1440 W. Taylor St #1135
Chicago IL 60607

  • A follow-up email from the Jazz Education Network confirming receipt of your Application will be sent to the email address you used to register for participation. It may go to your SPAM folder. Do check there. If you did not receive a Confirmation Email, contact JEN.

Application Info

Completing the JENerations Jazz Festival Application Form is a requirement in order to be accepted to participate in the JENerations Jazz Festival at the Annual JEN Conference. Please be advised materials will not be accepted in any other form and/or after the deadline has passed.

All information requested must be included at the time of your application submission in order for the application to be processed within the JEN system.

  • Participants are accepted on a first-come first-served basis.
  • FULL JEN Individual Membership is required to submit an application.
  • eJEN Members are not eligible to submit applications.
  • The Director’s Membership is required to be current to perform at the conference.
  • Open to school/community ensembles of all age groups.
  • Multiple groups from the same school/organization are permitted (separate application for each ensemble required).
  • Audio submissions are not required.
  • Participation Fees are required as detailed further below in order to hold your slot.

Timeline

March 25th: Applications open for JEN Chapters only

April 1st: Applications open for all JEN Individual Members

  • Applications will be reviewed and accepted as received until all slots are filled.
  • Applicants will be notified Officially of acceptance by email from the Conference or JJF Coordinator.
  • An Application must be completed and the Ensemble Fee must be paid in order for JEN to hold your slot.
  • Click below to pay the appropriate Ensemble Fee AFTER completing your application. This is necessary to hold your spot in the JJF lineup.
  • There are no refunds on ensemble participation fees.
  • Application Fees can be paid using a:
    • Credit Card
    • Check
    • School Purchase Order

September 1: Watch your inbox for an email to register requesting the director to register all ensemble members, director, and allotted chaperones for conference badges.

  • Anyone attending the conference is required to have a registration badge to move freely about the conference.
  • As established by the Board of Director’s, participants in your ensemble, yourself as Director, and your allotment of chaperones (1 per 5 student performers), will receive a complimentary registration badge to attend the entire JEN Conference as noted above.
  • Chaperones in excess of your allotment will be billed at $50 per chaperone.

November 21st: Deadline to register all ensemble participants.

  • September 1- November 21: Submit  conference badge registration for all participants within the JJF ensemble allotment:
  • $25 per individual participant
  • 1 complimentary director per ensemble ($50 per add’l. director)
  • 1 complimentary chaperone per five individual participants ($50 per add’l. chaperone)
  • Miss the November 21 deadline? Conference badge registration by directors of JJF ensembles who miss the November 21st deadline will need to pay a $50 registration service fee to register online between November 22nd and December 10th.
  • Miss the December 10 deadline? Conference badge registration by directors of JJF  ensembles who miss the December 10th deadline will need to be prepared to pay a $75 registration service fee on site at the conference registration window.

Anyone attending the conference is required to have a registration badge to move freely about the conference.

December 1st: Information related to Conference check in (including the Large Group Arrival/Departure Form) will be sent to you via email and/or posted on this page.  Please refer to this page often for updates to most of your questions.

December 10th: Deadline for individual participation fee payment and Large Group Arrival/Departure Form.

Past Participants

JJF Past Participants

Alabama State University
American Music Program
Arlington High School Jazz Band
Atherton HS Jazz Band
Austin Academy Jazz Ensemble I
Bellevue College Vocal Jazz Ensemble ‘Celebration’
Bemidji State University’s Blue Ice
Big D Jazz Ensemble I
Blackhawk Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Booker T. Washington HSPVA Jazz Singers
Bowling Green State University (OH) Jazz Singers
Brookhaven College Jazz Harp Ensemble
Brown School Jazz Combo
CAFCA Music Ensemble
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Crescent Super Band
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Little Big Band
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Time Check Jazz Orchestra
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Ooh La La
Capital University Big Band
Capital University conFUSION BAND
Capital University Jazz Consort
Capital University Jazz Percussion Ensemble
Capital University Savoy Ensemble
Capital University Vanguard Ensemble
Carroll Senior High School Jazz Orchestra
Cedar Hill High School Longhorn Steel Band
Celina High School Jazz Band
Chicago High School for the Arts (Chiarts) Honors Jazz Combo
Conkright Middle School Jazz Band
Crescent Octet
Christopher Newton University Jazz Combo
Dallas Jazz Harp Ensemble
Denton High School Lab Band 1
Denton High School 2
Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Vocal
Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band 1
Emerging Artists Project
Emory University Saxophone Quartet
Folsom High School Combo
Folsom High School Jazz Band I
Folsom High School Jazz Band II
Folsom High School Jazz Choir I
Friends University Jazz Ensemble I
Friends University Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Georgetown Day High School Jazz and Creative Music Ensemble
Georgetown Day High School Arty Saul & his Orchestra
Georgetown Day High School XD4
Georgetown Day High School Tenleytown Ramblers
Georgia Tech Jazz Ensemble I
Girls Ellington Project
Green Valley HS Jazz I
Green Valley High School Jazz II
Green Valley High School Jazz Combo
Grissom High School ‘A’ Jazz Ensemble
Grissom High School ‘B’ Jazz Ensemble
Harry D. Jacobs High School Superscript 7 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Jazz Combo I
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Jazz Combo II
Hillfield Strathalian College Senior Jazz
HKIED Jazz Ensemble
Hoover Jam from Hoover High School
Hot House Screaming Kicks
Humber BSG Trio
Indiana University Jazz Ensemble
Indiana University Vocal Jazz Ensemble I
Jokobissimo
Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Combo
Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Ensemble
Kansas City Kansas Community College The Standard Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Kirkwood Community College Jazz Transit
Lindenwood University Jazz Band
Lone Peak High School Advanced Big Band
Lone Peak High School Big Band II
Long Beach City College jazz Ensemble
Long Beach City College Lyrical Workers
Los Angeles Harbor College Jazz Combo
Madison Southern High School Jazz Ensemble
Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (MAYJO) Sponsored by the University of Nebraska Omaha
Milton Academy Jazz Combo I
Milton Academy Jazz Combo II
Milton Academy Jazz Combo III
Minnesota State University The Snaps
Missouri Southern State University Jazz Orchestra
Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo
Morehead State University Big Band
Morehead State University Jazz Combo
National Jazz Workshop All-Star Jazz Orchestra
North Carolina Central University VOCAL Jazz Ensemble
NCTC Jazz Orchestra
Northview Titan Strings
Oklahoma Christian University Jazz Ensemble
Oklahoma Christian University Jazz Combo
Oklahoma City Community College Jazz Ensemble
Overland Park Blue Valley Southwest High School Trebleaires
Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) Jazz Combo I
Rock Bridge High School Impressions Combo
Rock Bridge High School Jazz Ensemble
Rock Bridge High School Stolen Moments Combo
Roosevelt High School Vocal Jazz
Roosevelt University Large Jazz Ensemble
Roosevelt University Puentes LatinJazz Ensemble
Salinas High School Vocal Jazz
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts Ellington Jazz Ensemble
Stetson University Jazz Ensemble
St. Francis Jazz Combo
St. Francis Middle School Jazz Band
Synergy Jazz Youth Combo
Temple High School Blues
Temple High School Highlighters
Texas Christian University Jazz Ensemble
Texas City Jazz Band
The New School Quartet
The New School Improv Ensemble
Tyler Junior College Jazz Ensemble 1
Tyler Junior College Jazz Ensemble 2
Thelma Yellin Big Band
The Urban School of San Francisco
Thurman White Academy Advanced Jazz Blue I
Thurman White Academy Advanced Jazz Blue II
Tonica Ensemble of Guadalajara
University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble
University of Lethbridge Jazz Ensemble
University of Miami FROST Jazz Sextet
University of Missouri Kansas City 11 O’Clock Big Band
University of Missouri Kansas City Concert Jazz Band
University of Nebraska Omaha Boptet
University of Nebraska Omaha Jazz Combo One
University of Nebraska Omaha Jazz Ensemble
University of North Carolina Pembroke Jazz Combo
University of North Florida Studio Ensemble
University of North Georgia Jazz Ensemble
University of North Texas Avenue C
University of North Texas Third Street
University of North Texas West End
University of the Cumberlands Jazz Combo
Waco High School Jazz Ensemble
Wakeland High School Jazz Ensemble 1
Webb City High School Jazz Ensemble
West Ranch High School Studio A Jazz Band
Western Michigan University Desolation Row
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Batterman Ensemble
Xander Davies Quartet


 

Ready to apply?

Read the above information, then click to apply!


Materials will not be accepted in any other form and/or after the deadline has passed.

JEN Membership is required to apply. 

 

photos by Frances Scanlon

photos by Cherie Hansson

photos by Rene Huemer