Refining Their Skills – Each band will perform for top Detroit big band clinicians, receive feedback, and participate in a post-clinic workshop.

Learning from the Best – Students can choose from additional clinics led by partner organizations and industry professionals.

Building Connections – A chance to network with fellow jazz students, professional adjudicators, and organizations dedicated to jazz education.

Ending on a High Note – The day concludes with a student mixer.

The festival is all about helping young musicians improve their craft, make connections, and celebrate jazz!

Morning Festival

7:45-8:15am - Check-In
8:15 - 8:30 AM - Welcome with special performance
8:30 - 12:00 PM - Performances, Clinics, Workshops, and Expo Hall
11:30am-12:30pm - Student Mixer

Afternoon Festival

1:15 -1:45 PM - Check-in 
1:45 - 2:00 PM - Welcome with special performance
2:00 - 5:00 PM - Performances, Clinics, Workshops, and Expo Hall
5:00- 6:00 PM - Student Mixer

Download Full Schedule (PDF)

Download Venue Map (PDF)

Download Local restaurant guide (PDF)

Download Parking Instructions (PDF)

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

The Carr Center - Roots and Rhythm 

Presented by: Laura Simone

Join an interactive journey through Black musical traditions from work songs to jazz. Students will explore rhythm through hands on activities while learning how music connects history, culture, and creative expression.

Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation - The Sounds of Detroit

Presented by: Marion Hayden

Bassist/ Educator Marion Hayden presents music from Detroit’s great composers and arrangers. Across generations, everything from Jazz to Hip hop, these artists define modern music and what it is to create “the Detroit Sound”. 

Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Rhythm Section Chemistry: Let’s Groove, Let’s Speak, Let’s Support

Presented by: Darell “Red” Campbell

By understanding style and approach, students will learn to communicate with their bandmates, create a unified sound, and strengthen their ability to deepen musical connection for a more cohesive performance.

MSU Community Music School - Detroit - Building Basie Riff Backgrounds

Presented by: Trevor Lamb 

This clinic will be centered around the blues. Students will learn how to support soloists by improving riff style backgrounds underneath soloists. We will focus on dynamics, jazz theory, and improvisation in this clinic.

Music Hall - Big Band Balance

Presented by: Steve Wood

Mr. Wood’s clinic will focus on balancing sectional volume and feel appropriate to various jazz styles, balancing individual voices within the saxophone and brass sections. We will also address phrasing and articulation to create a fluid, legato swing feel. Mr. Wood will work with jazz band sections on the jazz band director’s choice of repertoire and share knowledge that will assist every musician and listener in the room.

JazzEd Detroit - Digital Tools for Jazz Students and Educators

Presented by: Kris Johnson

Join GRAMMY-Award winning trumpeter, composer, and educator Kris Johnson for an interactive workshop exploring practical digital tools for today’s jazz musician. Participants will engage with free resources and play-alongs from JazzEd Detroit, while also getting an inside look at Johnson’s online platform, Office Hours with Kris Johnson. Designed for students and educators alike, this session offers accessible strategies for building musicianship through technology.

*Interactive - Bring Instrument*

JazzEd Festival Press Release