28th Annual High School Jazz Festival

High School jazz musicians
Please note this event occurred in the past.
March 28, 2026: All Day
Venue: Bezanson Hall,
Venue: Tillis Hall,
Music,
Band,
Guest Artists,
Jazz,
Special Events,
Workshops
Info: 8pm FAC Concert by Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) Info: 8pm FAC Concert by Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott)
Frederick C. Tillis Performance Hall and Bezanson Recital Hall; daytime activities free

Saturday, March 28, 2026; all day; Frederick C. Tillis & Bezanson Halls

28th Annual High School Jazz Festival

With UMass Jazz Faculty, guest adjudicators & Chief Adjuah, guest clinician

Performances by regional high school vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles from 9am through 1:15pm in Tillis and Bezanson Halls.

The afternoon session features a 2:30pm performance by UMass Jazz Ensemble I, followed by a Chief Adjuah masterclass at 3pm, Awards Announcements at 3:50, and Jazz Ensemble I rehearsal with Chief Adjuah at 4:10pm, all in Tillis Hall.

Fine Arts Center concert with Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), 8pm, Tillis Hall

7:30pm: Pre-concert performance by two high school ensembles & UMass Jazz Ensemble I

The day begins with UMass jazz combo performances at 8:30am in both Tillis and Bezanson Halls, followed by high school combos in Bezanson and big bands in Tillis through 1:15pm. Participants include schools from Manchester, CT; Acton-Boxborough, MA; Stoughton, MA; Manchester, NH; Dudley, MA; Lexington, MA & Northfield, MA.

Daytime events are free and open to the public.