Hosted by the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM), the CQ Schools’ Jazz Festival provides an opportunity for high school students to engage in two days of inspirational music making. Featuring an expert panel made up of nationally respected jazz musicians / educators and staff from the CQCM, the CQ Schools’ Jazz Festival includes band clinics, an adjudicated performance for all participants, workshops for individual students and a festival showcase concert. This event is open to small jazz ensembles, large jazz ensembles, vocal ensembles and community ensembles.

Adjudicated Performances

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 Festival Showcase Concert.

Professional Development & 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.

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.

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!