IHSMA State Jazz Band Festival

• Site assignments are in progress.

• Site assignments are in progress.

• Complete five years of teaching or instruction in a specialized area of the marching arts
• Complete the “Music Adjudication” course offered through the National Federation of High Schools at nfhslearn.com and send course completion certificate to the IHSMA Office.
• Complete a new W-9 and send it to the IHSMA Office.
• NEW ADJUDICATORS: Request that two (2) currently approved adjudicators for the IHSMA write letters of recommendation for you on your behalf and send them to the IHSMA Office.

Adjudicators for the Iowa High School Music Association State Jazz Band Festival are selected for their expertise as jazz educators, performers, conductors, and clinicians. Their role extends beyond evaluation—they serve as experienced educators who provide meaningful feedback and immediate instruction that helps students and directors continue to grow as musicians.

State Jazz Band Festival adjudicators should possess the following qualifications:

Expertise in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy

• Extensive knowledge of jazz styles, traditions, and performance practices.
• Experience teaching or directing successful high school, collegiate, or professional jazz ensembles.
• Understanding of jazz improvisation, rhythm section performance, ensemble communication, and stylistic interpretation.

Strong Listening and Evaluation Skills

• Ability to accurately assess:
  • Tone quality and ensemble sound
  • Intonation
  • Balance and blend
  • Rhythmic precision and groove
  • Style and articulation
  • Ensemble cohesion
  • Musical expression
  • Improvisation and solo performance
• Ability to distinguish between technical concerns and musical artistry while considering the educational level of the performers.

Effective Educational Clinician

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and positively with students and directors.
• Experience leading engaging, practical rehearsal clinics immediately following performances.
• Ability to prioritize the most impactful concepts that ensembles can apply immediately.
• Encourages student growth while reinforcing successful musical habits.

Knowledge of Current Jazz Literature

• Familiarity with standard and contemporary jazz repertoire appropriate for high school ensembles.
• Understanding of historical styles including swing, Latin, blues, ballad, funk, rock, and contemporary jazz.
• Awareness of current educational resources and instructional approaches.

Fairness, Consistency, and Professionalism

• Evaluates every ensemble using consistent educational standards.
• Maintains objectivity and avoids personal bias or preference.
• Demonstrates respect for students, directors, volunteers, and fellow adjudicators.
• Protects the integrity and educational purpose of the festival.

Commitment to Educational Excellence

State Jazz Band Festival adjudicators recognize that every performance represents months of preparation by students and directors. Their responsibility is to provide feedback that is accurate, constructive, encouraging, and educational. The ultimate goal is not simply to assign a rating, but to help every ensemble leave the festival with a clearer understanding of its strengths, opportunities for growth, and practical strategies for continued musical success.

At the Iowa High School Music Association State Jazz Band Festival, feedback, scores, and ratings are designed to support student learning and encourage continuous musical growth. Together, they provide a comprehensive evaluation of each ensemble’s performance while reinforcing the educational mission of the festival.

Educational Feedback

The most valuable outcome of the festival is the feedback provided by experienced jazz educators. Throughout the performance and during the post-performance clinic, adjudicators identify each ensemble’s strengths while offering practical suggestions for continued improvement.

Students and directors receive feedback on areas including:

• Tone quality and ensemble sound
• Intonation
• Balance and blend
• Rhythmic precision and groove
• Style and articulation
• Musical interpretation and expression
• Ensemble communication
• Improvisation and solo performance
• Overall artistic impact

This feedback is intended to be specific, constructive, and immediately applicable in future rehearsals and performances.

Scores

Adjudicators use the official IHSMA evaluation rubric to assess the various components of each performance. Numerical scores provide a consistent method for measuring how effectively an ensemble demonstrates the musical skills and performance characteristics outlined on the adjudication form.

Scores help provide context for the adjudicators’ comments and contribute to the overall rating. They should not be viewed as a precise mathematical measurement of an ensemble’s ability, but rather as one tool within the broader educational evaluation process.

Ratings

The overall rating reflects the quality of the performance based on established statewide standards. Ratings recognize achievement at a particular point in an ensemble’s musical development and provide directors with a consistent benchmark from year to year.

A rating represents the adjudicators’ professional evaluation of the performance presented on that day. It does not define the quality of a music program, the effectiveness of a director, or the potential of the students.

The Complete Educational Experience

The greatest value of the State Jazz Band Festival comes from the combination of performance, evaluation, and immediate instruction. Students have the opportunity to perform for knowledgeable jazz educators, receive thoughtful assessment, and then work directly with a clinician who reinforces successful performance habits and demonstrates strategies for continued improvement.

The Iowa High School Music Association encourages directors and students to view feedback, scores, and ratings as tools for reflection and growth. Success is measured not only by the rating earned, but by the progress made through preparation, performance, and the commitment to continued musical excellence.

The IHSMA State Jazz Band Festival is designed to provide an outstanding educational performance experience. Your ensemble will perform in a professional concert setting, receive constructive feedback from experienced jazz educators, and participate in an on-stage clinic immediately following the performance. The day is structured to maximize learning while allowing you to showcase the work your ensemble has prepared.

Before You Arrive

• Arrive with your school at the scheduled time provided by your director.
• Wear the performance attire designated by your school.
• Bring your instrument, music, accessories, and any required equipment.
• Be prepared to help unload and move equipment efficiently.

Check-In and Warm-Up

Upon arrival, your director will complete the check-in process while students unload equipment and move to the designated warm-up area. Warm-up time is intended to help your ensemble prepare—not to rehearse extensively—so remain focused and ready to perform.

Performance

Your jazz band will perform its prepared program before a panel of experienced jazz educators. Adjudicators evaluate the musical performance while considering factors such as:

• Tone quality and ensemble sound
• Intonation and balance
• Rhythmic precision and groove
• Style and interpretation
• Improvisation and creativity
• Communication within the ensemble
• Overall musicality and performance effectiveness

The emphasis is on demonstrating strong ensemble musicianship while performing with confidence and authenticity.

Immediate Educational Clinic

One of the unique features of the State Jazz Band Festival is the clinic that follows your performance.

Immediately after leaving the stage, your ensemble will work directly with one of the adjudicators in an educational clinic. During this session, the clinician may:

• Demonstrate concepts with the ensemble.
• Work on specific musical passages.
• Discuss jazz style and interpretation.
• Offer rehearsal strategies.
• Provide suggestions for continued growth.

This clinic is an extension of your performance and often becomes one of the most valuable learning experiences of the day.

Listening to Other Ensembles

When schedules allow, students are encouraged to attend performances by other schools.

Watching fellow musicians perform allows you to:

• Hear a variety of jazz literature.
• Observe different ensemble styles.
• Learn from other directors and performers.
• Gain ideas that can benefit your own ensemble.

Supporting other schools is an important part of the festival experience.

Awards and Ratings

At the conclusion of your performance and clinic, your ensemble will receive an official IHSMA rating along with comments from the adjudicators. The goal is not simply to earn a rating, but to receive meaningful feedback that recognizes your accomplishments and identifies opportunities for continued musical growth.

Enjoy the Experience

The State Jazz Band Festival celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the unique artistry of jazz performance. Every ensemble has the opportunity to perform, learn from outstanding educators, and leave with ideas that will strengthen future rehearsals and performances. Approach the day with preparation, professionalism, and an open mind—you’ll gain far more than a rating.

The State Jazz Band Festival is designed to provide a smooth, educational experience from arrival through departure. Each part of the day is carefully scheduled to allow ensembles time to prepare, perform, receive immediate instruction, and learn from other outstanding jazz programs.

Arrival and Check-In

Upon arrival, your director will check the ensemble in while students unload instruments, equipment, and any necessary sound or percussion items. Follow the directions of festival staff and student volunteers to move efficiently through the performance venue.

Warm-Up

Your ensemble will be assigned a warm-up space prior to your performance. This time should be used to:

• Tune the ensemble.
• Warm up individually and collectively.
• Review key musical concepts.
• Prepare mentally and physically for the performance.

The warm-up period is intended for final preparation rather than a full rehearsal.

Performance

When your performance time arrives, your ensemble will move quickly onto the stage with assistance from festival personnel.

Your performance will include:

• Efficient stage setup.
• Performance of your prepared jazz selections.
• Evaluation by a panel of experienced jazz educators.

Students should remain attentive throughout the performance, following the director and maintaining professional stage presence from the first note through the final applause.

Immediate On-Stage Clinic

Following the performance, one of the adjudicators will immediately conduct an educational clinic with your ensemble.

During the clinic, the adjudicator may:

• Work through selected musical passages.
• Demonstrate stylistic concepts.
• Offer rehearsal techniques.
• Discuss improvisation, balance, articulation, rhythm, and ensemble communication.
• Answer questions from students or the director when appropriate.

The clinic is a central part of the educational experience and provides practical ideas your ensemble can immediately apply.

Stage Exit and Equipment

After the clinic concludes, your ensemble will exit the performance area promptly and efficiently, moving instruments and equipment to the designated loading area. Students should assist one another so the next performing ensemble can begin on schedule.

Listen and Learn

If your schedule permits, remain to hear performances by other schools. Observing other ensembles broadens your understanding of jazz performance, exposes you to new literature and styles, and reinforces the collaborative spirit of the festival.

Festival Timeline at a Glance

1. Arrival and check-in.
2. Unload equipment and move to the warm-up area.
3. Warm-up and final preparation.
4. Move to the performance stage.
5. Perform your prepared selections.
6. Participate in the immediate educational clinic.
7. Exit the stage and reload equipment.
8. Attend other performances when possible before departing.

The State Jazz Band Festival is designed to be much more than a performance. Every step—from warm-up through the clinic—is intended to help you grow as a jazz musician while celebrating the creativity, artistry, and collaboration that define outstanding jazz performance.

The purpose of the IHSMA State Jazz Band Festival is to provide meaningful educational feedback that helps your ensemble grow as musicians and performers. Adjudicators are experienced jazz educators who evaluate the overall quality of the performance while recognizing the unique style, creativity, and communication that define jazz.

Their goal is not to compare your ensemble to others, but to evaluate how effectively your group performs the music you have prepared and provide feedback that can strengthen future performances.

Musical Fundamentals

Every outstanding jazz performance begins with strong fundamentals. Adjudicators listen for:

• Characteristic tone quality throughout the ensemble.
• Accurate intonation.
• Rhythmic precision and consistency.
• Good balance and blend between sections.
• Clear articulation and phrasing.
• Dynamic contrast and musical expression.

Strong fundamentals allow the musical ideas of the ensemble to be communicated clearly.

Jazz Style and Interpretation

Jazz has its own language, traditions, and performance practices. Adjudicators evaluate how authentically your ensemble performs within the style of each selection.

They listen for:

• Appropriate swing feel or stylistic groove.
• Style-specific articulation.
• Musical phrasing.
• Understanding of historical and stylistic conventions.
• Effective interpretation of the composer’s and arranger’s intent.

Ensemble Communication

Successful jazz ensembles function as a team.

Adjudicators observe:

• Communication between the director and ensemble.
• Cohesive section playing.
• Effective interaction between rhythm section and winds.
• Musical listening across the ensemble.
• Consistent pulse and ensemble cohesion.

Rhythm Section Performance

The rhythm section provides the foundation of every jazz ensemble.

Adjudicators evaluate:

• Time and groove.
• Balance within the rhythm section.
• Stylistic accompaniment.
• Harmonic support.
• Musical interaction with soloists and the ensemble.

Improvisation

When solos are included, adjudicators evaluate improvisation as an important part of jazz performance.

They consider:

• Musical creativity.
• Stylistic understanding.
• Rhythmic confidence.
• Development of musical ideas.
• Communication with the rhythm section.

The emphasis is on expressive, musical improvisation rather than technical difficulty alone.

Programming and Overall Performance

Adjudicators also consider the performance as a complete artistic presentation.

This includes:

• Appropriate literature selection.
• Variety and pacing.
• Musical continuity.
• Stage presence and professionalism.
• Overall artistic impact.

Educational Feedback

Every comment and clinic suggestion is intended to help your ensemble continue developing.

Adjudicators recognize what your ensemble does well while offering practical recommendations that directors and students can apply in future rehearsals and performances. Their feedback is designed to encourage continued musical growth rather than simply evaluate a single performance.

Focus on Growth

The State Jazz Band Festival is about more than earning a rating. It is an opportunity to perform for experienced jazz educators, receive immediate instruction, and deepen your understanding of jazz performance. Come prepared, perform with confidence, listen carefully during the clinic, and view every comment as an opportunity to become a stronger musician.

The State Jazz Band Festival is a performance, educational, and professional event. Every student represents their school, director, and community while participating. Professional behavior ensures that every ensemble has the opportunity to perform in a positive, respectful, and focused environment.

Represent Your School Well

Your actions throughout the day reflect on your entire music program.

Students are expected to:

• Follow the directions of directors, festival staff, and volunteers.
• Treat fellow performers, adjudicators, and audience members with courtesy and respect.
• Arrive on time and be prepared for every part of the schedule.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude throughout the day.

Professionalism begins long before you step onto the performance stage.

During Performances

Whether you are performing or listening, your conduct contributes to the experience of everyone involved.

Students should:

• Enter and exit performance areas quietly and efficiently.
• Remain attentive during performances.
• Silence and put away mobile devices.
• Refrain from talking while another ensemble is performing.
• Applaud respectfully at the conclusion of each performance.

Supporting fellow musicians is an important part of the festival experience.

During Your Performance

When your ensemble takes the stage:

• Stay focused and attentive to your director.
• Maintain professional posture and stage presence.
• Avoid unnecessary movement or conversation.
• Continue performing with confidence, even if mistakes occur.
• Respect stage personnel and follow instructions during setup and teardown.

A professional performance includes how an ensemble presents itself as well as how it performs musically.

During the Educational Clinic

The clinic is one of the most valuable parts of the festival.

Students are expected to:

• Listen carefully to the clinician’s comments.
• Be willing to try new ideas and suggestions.
• Participate actively when asked.
• Remain engaged throughout the clinic.
• Ask thoughtful questions when appropriate.

Approach the clinic with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Care for Facilities and Equipment

Help maintain a welcoming environment for every participating school.

Students should:

• Respect performance venues and rehearsal spaces.
• Handle school and personal equipment responsibly.
• Dispose of trash properly.
• Leave warm-up and performance areas clean.
• Follow all directions regarding loading and unloading equipment.

Support the Festival Community

One of the strengths of the State Jazz Band Festival is the opportunity to learn from musicians across Iowa.

Show respect by:

• Encouraging fellow performers.
• Celebrating the success of other ensembles.
• Listening to a variety of performances when your schedule allows.
• Demonstrating good sportsmanship regardless of ratings or results.

A Professional Mindset

Professional musicians are defined not only by their performance abilities but also by their preparation, attitude, respect for others, and commitment to continuous improvement. The State Jazz Band Festival gives you an opportunity to develop those same qualities.

By demonstrating professionalism throughout the day, you help create an environment where every student can perform, learn, and grow. The habits you develop at this festival—preparation, respect, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence—will serve you well both in music and in life.

The IHSMA State Jazz Band Festival is more than a performance opportunity—it is an educational experience designed to help students and directors grow as jazz musicians. Every aspect of the festival, from the performance to the immediate clinic, is intended to deepen musical understanding, strengthen ensemble performance, and celebrate the creativity that makes jazz unique.

A Chance to Perform at Your Best

Preparing for a festival performance gives your ensemble a meaningful goal. The process of rehearsing challenging literature, refining musical details, and performing for experienced educators helps every student develop greater confidence, discipline, and artistic expression.

The performance is an opportunity to demonstrate what your ensemble has accomplished while sharing your music with an appreciative audience.

Learn from Experienced Jazz Educators

One of the greatest benefits of the festival is the opportunity to work directly with accomplished jazz educators.

The immediate clinic following your performance provides:

• Practical rehearsal strategies.
• Musical ideas you can apply immediately.
• Insight into jazz style and interpretation.
• Suggestions for improving ensemble communication and musicianship.
• Encouragement that supports continued growth.

Many students find the clinic to be one of the most memorable and valuable parts of the festival experience.

Develop as a Jazz Musician

Jazz is built on communication, creativity, listening, and collaboration. The festival reinforces these essential skills while helping students gain a deeper understanding of:

• Ensemble performance.
• Improvisation.
• Jazz history and style.
• Musical leadership.
• Artistic expression.

These experiences help students become stronger musicians in every musical setting.

Celebrate Music Education Across Iowa

The State Jazz Band Festival brings together outstanding high school jazz ensembles from communities across Iowa. Students have the opportunity to hear a wide variety of ensembles, musical styles, and interpretations while recognizing the exceptional work taking place in music programs throughout the state.

The festival highlights the strength and diversity of music education in Iowa and demonstrates how students from schools of every size can achieve musical excellence.

Growth Beyond the Rating

While each ensemble receives an official IHSMA rating, the true value of the festival extends far beyond a score.

Success is measured by:

• Musical growth.
• Increased confidence.
• New ideas for future rehearsals.
• Stronger ensemble communication.
• A deeper appreciation for jazz performance.

Every ensemble leaves with meaningful feedback that can influence future performances throughout the school year.

Skills That Last a Lifetime

The lessons learned at the State Jazz Band Festival reach beyond music. Students strengthen skills that are valuable in college, careers, and everyday life, including:

• Preparation and personal responsibility.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Leadership and communication.
• Resilience and continuous improvement.

These are qualities that help students succeed wherever their future takes them.

A Meaningful Musical Experience

The State Jazz Band Festival reflects the mission of the Iowa High School Music Association: to provide educational experiences that inspire excellence, encourage lifelong learning, and celebrate the power of music. Whether you are performing your first festival or your final high school jazz performance, the experience is an opportunity to grow as a musician, contribute to your ensemble, and become part of Iowa’s vibrant tradition of jazz education.