About the Festival

The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival (MAJF) will be held in-person, February 16th through 18th at the Hilton Hotel Rockville; 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD.  In 2010, the first MAJF was launched by the Jazz Academy of Music, Inc., a Maryland-based non-profit organization. Attendees travel to the festival from points all along the Mid-Atlantic seaboard and beyond.

The MAJF showcases regional and touring jazz artists of traditional jazz genres. Also showcased are the gospel and blues genres that are primary influences of jazz music, as well as contemporary jazz. One of the most important aspects of the festival is the focus on the education of young musicians. Middle and high school, as well as collegiate level jazz bands, perform at the festival. The students also have the opportunity to attend master classes conducted by the touring musicians that are performing at the festival, film screenings covering legacy musicians, play in open “jam sessions” with professional musicians, and of course, see the pros in live performances. Many of these opportunities are free and open to the public.

The MAJF programming consists of 3 days of jazz music performances by some of the top musicians in the country.  Artists such as NEA Jazz Masters Ellis Marsalis, Brian Lynch, Roy Haynes, Branford Marsalis, and Jimmy Heath; renowned pianist, the late Mulgrew Miller; saxophonist Bobby Watson and trumpeter Terrell Stafford have graced our stage.

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OPPORTUNITY

The MAJF has returned to regular programming with the return of the High School Jazz Band Competition.

The performance logistics are as follows:

• Up to 16 bands will be chosen to exhibit on a first-come basis based on the receipt date of the exhibition application. Exhibit applications can be completed and submitted online by clicking on the button below:

• Each band will have a maximum of 25 minutes on stage to set up, perform, break down and exit the stage. Bands must adhere to these time frames. Band Directors may select three (3) compositions of their choice to perform however, the entire program must be Jazz orientated, (i.e., Swing Jazz, Bebop Jazz, Latin Jazz, or Funk Jazz) and at least 2 of the 3 selections must be of contrasting styles.

• The adjudication panel will include 3 judges, Chris Allen, Craig Green, and Alvin Trask, and 2 clinicians. The judges will assess the performance the same as they would in the competition format. Immediately following each performance, one of the MAJF clinicians will conduct a private clinic to provide immediate feedback on the band’s performance. The judge’s written comments will be provided at the end of the performance day.

• A registration form must be completed for each participating band. There is no discount for multiple performance groups by the same school. The registration fee for each performing group is $250.00 for registrations received between now and January 15, 2023. Your registration fee must be included with the application. Checks should be made payable to: The Jazz Academy of Music, Inc. You may also pay by credit card by including the payment information on the mail-in application, submitting your application and payment online, or by calling the Jazz Academy Offices at 301-871-8418 to pay by phone.

AWARDS

Two students per band will be selected for the “MAJF Prestigious Performance Award.” Each of the winners for this award will receive a trophy and a 50% discount to the Jazz Academy Summer JAM Camp. Also, prizes, provided by Vandoren, will be given to reed and brass players. The MAJF will also select one student amongst all bands to receive the MAJF Outstanding Performance Award. The recipient of this award will receive a trophy and a full scholarship to the Jazz Academy JAM Camp.

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LOGISTICS

• Each band will be provided an individual that will serve as its MAJF liaison at the festival. The liaison will escort the band to the rehearsal space and to the stage area and will be available to answer questions and assist with other needs and requirements.

• Each band will be provided access to a room to tune and warm up prior to the performance on the MAJF’s Atrium stage. The rehearsal room will be equipped with a piano, and a full drum set. Bass and Guitar amps are not provided. Each band will be allowed up to 30 minutes in the warm-up room just prior to its performance time.

• Approximately 15 minutes before a band’s scheduled performance time, the Band Director should send the band’s setup crew to the Atrium Stage performance area. The only equipment available on stage will be a piano, a drum set without cymbals, chairs, stands and sufficient microphones. While backline will be provided, schools may choose to bring their own equipment. However, on-stage time will not be extended beyond 25 minutes. Schools must bring their own percussion equipment, including vibraphones. Approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled performance time, the rest of the band should move to the performance area.

• Each band will have a maximum of 25 minutes on stage to set-up, perform, break down and exit the stage.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND ATTENDANCE

All bands participating in the festival that require overnight stay must stay at the MAJF venue, the Hilton Rockville Hotel. Bands are encouraged to contact Mr. John Jordan, Hilton Director Sales and Marketing by phone at (301) 230-6777 or by email at John.Jordan@hilton.com to reserve your rooms as soon as possible. Please indicate that you are attending the MAJF in order to receive the MAJF discount on your rooms.
Band Directors will receive an All-Access Voyager Passport that will allow full admittance to all 3 days of the MAJF. MAJF offers a highly discounted all-access Voyager passport for students who perform on the festival starting at $135.00 per student. Your chaperones are also eligible for the student rate.

COVID PROTOCOLS

Masks are optional in all Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival spaces for visitors, staff and volunteers. If you prefer to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so. We ask that you respect others’ choices, and alert a volunteer if you have any concerns.

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