ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Presented by the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM), the CQU Schools’ Jazz Festival invites high school students to immerse themselves in two days of musical inspiration. With a panel comprising nationally renowned jazz musicians, educators, and CQCM staff, the festival offers a dynamic program. Participants can expect band clinics, adjudicated performances, individual workshops, and an entertaining showcase concert. This inclusive event welcomes small and large jazz ensembles and community ensembles alike. Get ready to ignite your passion for jazz and showcase your musical talents at the CQU Schools’ Jazz Festival.

ADJUDICATED PERFORMANCE

Each ensemble will perform their 15 min adjudicated performance at the beginning of their scheduled session with the clinician, followed immediately by a clinic with the guest clinician.  The adjudicated component of the festival will be non-competitive, with bands receiving a gold, silver or bronze award  according to the level of their presentation. With this adjudication system more than one ensemble is able to achieve the same rating. All awards will be announced at the Showcase Concert.

ENSEMBLE CLINICS

A unique feature of our festival is the inclusion of ensemble clinics for participating groups. At the completion of their adjudicated performance, each group will participate in a 45min ensemble clinic with the guest clinician.

Additionally, each ensemble then participates in a separate 1hr clinic presented the staff of the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music. This clinic can 'follow on' from the guest clinicians work on your repertoire, or may go in a different direction, focussing on other aspects of performance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & STUDENT WORKSHOPS

​The Professional Development and Student Workshops provide participants with the opportunity to expand on their knowledge of jazz ensemble playing and directing, or simply to reinforce knowledge they already have. This session may include topics such as, band set up and positioning, section roles and responsibilities, getting the most from the young rhythm section, developing jazz articulation, improvisation and repertoire selection. Availability is subject to nomination numbers and scheduling limitations.

SHOWCASE CONCERT

​During the Showcase Concert each of the participating bands will present a selection (or selections depending on time) from their adjudicated performance repertoire. The adjudicator will choose this item after working with each group in the Ensemble Clinics. The Showcase Concert will also feature performances by the visiting industry professionals and adjudicators, participating Musical Directors and of course, the students!
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
ADJUDICATED PERFORMANCES & CLINICS:  These activities will be scheduled throughout the day (Saturday & Sunday, if required). Admission to these events are FREE and the organisers of the event strongly encourage audience attendance at the adjudicated performance and ask that, in the spirit of the festival, teachers encourage their students to attend the adjudicated performance and clinic of the school directly prior to their own performance.
VENUE: "CQCM Theatre", Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Building 21.

CQUSJF SHOWCASE CONCERT: This concert is open to the public and will feature performances from the participating ensembles, their teachers and the guest adjudicator/clinician. Entry to this event is $10 adults | $5 children/students, tickets at the door on the night, cash sales only.
TIME: TBA (subject to nomination numbers).
VENUE: "CQCM Theatre", Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Building 21.