The NAU Jazz Festival is a non-competitive arena for middle school, high school, and junior college musicians. This type of festival creates a relaxed atmosphere that promotes education as opposed to competition. Big bands and combos perform for adjudicators to receive ratings and/or comments. Following the performances, most groups will participate in feedback clinics with our adjudicators.

This year’s guest artist is saxophonist Brice Winston. Brice is a Grammy award-winning jazz master who is known especially for his work with trumpeter Terence Blanchard.