Jazz Festival

The annual TCU Jazz Festival has become one of the most prestigious festivals in the state. Since its beginning in 1978, the event has attracted more than 16,000 talented high school players. In addition, bands have attended the TCU Jazz Festival from as far away as Tennessee, Iowa, and Hawaii.

Guest Artists

Every year the TCU Jazz Ensembles have appeared in concert with notable international jazz artists. such notable artists include: Hank Levy, Don Menza, Urbie Green, Mike Vax, Ed Shaughnessy, Pete Christlieb, Ashley Alexander, Frank Mantooth, Roger Pemberton, Roy Hargrove, Willie Thomas, Carl Fontana, Jon Faddis, Shelton Berg, Rich Matteson, Leon Breeden, John Fedchock, Patrick Williams, Marvin Stamm, Onzie Matthews, Loius Bellson, Clark Terry, Tony Campise, Peanuts Hucko, the Hal Galper Trio, Chris Vadala, Conte Candoli, Vince DiMartino, Bill Watrous, and Allen Vizzutti to name a few.

Upcoming Festival

The 31st Annual Jazz Festival will be held on March 28th-29th, 2008, featuring the Four Freshman, Senior Master Sergeant Joe Jackson (lead trombonist and conductor of the USAF Air-Men-of-Note, TCU Saxophone instructor and former lead alto saxophone and conductor of the Air-Men-of-Note, Joel Eckerdt and former chief arranger for the US Army Band, Mark Taylor! If you are interested in attending our festival, please fill out the entry form and send it to Toni Parker as soon as possible. Twenty-eight (high school and middle school) groups will be selected to participate. The first twenty-eight bands that return the entry form will be selected to perform. The remainder will be placed on a waiting list. The entry fee is $225.00 payable to TCU Jazz Ensemble. Note: There will have to be at least three (3) bands in any one division (i.e. 5A, 4A, 3A, or 5A 2nd band etc.) in order for that division to “Make”. This festival will include two performance sites; Ed Landreth Auditorium and the Pepsico Recital Hall. All competition will be on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Awards ceremony on Saturday evening.

Professional Band Appearances:

Also the TCU Jazz Festival has hosted many outstanding professional bands, including Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie, and Mike Vax's "TRPTS."

Contact Information:

Toni Parker
TCU Bands - School of Music
TCU Box 297500
Forth Worth, TX 76129
817-257-7640
t.parker@tcu.edu