EVENT OVERVIEW
FRIDAY, MAY 2
Middle/Junior High
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There are two competitive divisions for Middle Schools. Division B is for bands who have made the finals at the Bellevue Jazz Festival either of the past two years. Division A is for schools who have not made the finals in the last two years.
The top bands from each category will have the opportunities to perform in the finals concert on Friday evening.
SATURDAY, MAY 3
High School
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There will be several competitive divisions based on school size, and a separate division for 2nd/3rd bands, all depending on the number of the bands registered.
Finalists from each division will have the opportunity to perform in the finals concert Saturday evening. The Sweepstakes trophy will also be awarded Saturday evening.
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PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Each band will have 20 minutes for warming up, 20 minutes for performing, and 20 minutes for working with a clinician. Times will be provided with the packet emailed to you after registering for the festival. After clinic, the band will be guided to an area for pictures and then to instrument storage. If you have a scheduling request, we will do our best to accommodate you, but nothing is guaranteed.
ADJUDICATORS
2025 Adjudicators will include:
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Ellen Rowe, University of Michigan
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Rob Tapper, University of Montana
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Dan Taylor, Seattle-Area Pianist & Educator
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Cassio Vianna, Pacific Lutheran University (Saturday Only)
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Additional adjudicator TBA
ANDY ROBERTSON MEMORIAL BAND DIRECTOR AWARD
We will present the Andy Robertson Memorial Band Director Award each day of our jazz festival to a director who demonstrates the caring and enjoyment of music that Andy did.​
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For more information, see Andy Robertson Memorial Band Director Award
DIVISION CLASSIFICATIONS
FRIDAY DIVISIONS
Division A is for Middle School and Junior High School bands who have not made the finals in the last two years. Bands perform in the morning and early afternoon.
Division B is for Middle School and Junior High School bands who have made the finals at the Bellevue High Jazz Festival either of the past two years. Bands perform later in the day.
SATURDAY DIVISIONS
A/AA DIVISION: Recommended for WIAA classification A/AA schools for their Jazz Band I, 3A Jazz II, and 4A Jazz III
3A DIVISION: Recommended for WIAA classification 3A schools for their Jazz Band I and 4A Jazz Band II
4A DIVISION: Recommended for WIAA classification 4A schools for their Jazz Band I
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2nd/3rd BAND DIVISION: Reserved for 2nd or 3rd Bands but those schools could also register for the A/AA, 3A, 4A divisions if they choose.
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FESTIVAL RULES
PRELIMINARY COMPETITION
All band members must represent one school. No "All-Star" bands are allowed. Performances are limited to 20 minutes, including set-up time. Bands are also granted 20 minutes for warming up and a 20 minute clinic with one of our adjudicators. After clinic, you will be guided to get pictures taken and then to instrument storage where all your belongings will be watched over. A student volunteer will be there to guide and assist your band throughout the day.
FINALS COMPETITION
The number of finalists bands from each division will be determined by the number of entries. All bands must perform one new song for the finals (7 minutes or less). Once finals have completed, awards will be handed out to the top bands from each of the divisions. In lieu of a traditional ‘trophy’ we are presenting framed artwork of a notable jazz artist, created by a local artist. Outstanding soloists will be recognized with certificates presented to directors. A revolving "Sweepstakes" trophy will be awarded to the outstanding band at the festival, as selected by the adjudicators.
MULTIPLE BANDS
Each student may only perform with one band to be eligible for finals. If a student is missing from an ensemble, up to 2 students may substitute, but only for the same school. For more information, please contact us. The Bellevue High Band and the Bellevue High Jazz Festival reserves the right to change and alter the rules stated above at any given point in time.
EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE
PROVIDED EQUIPMENT
Risers, PA system with microphone, grand piano, bass amp, guitar amp, vibraphones, and congas. Bands must use the drum set provided, but they may use their own cymbals. The standard Big Band stage will be set up. Chairs and stands will be provided for a maximum of 32 band members.
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
Sufficient instrument storage will be provided for all bands. Bellevue High School and the Bellevue High Band are not responsible for loss or damage to any instruments and/or equipment. Please clearly label your instruments with your name, school, address, and phone number.
REGISTER YOUR BANDS
ENTRY FEES
An invoice will be sent to your given email address with a link to pay for entry, or you may opt to send a check. If you are sending a check, please make the check out to the "Bellevue High Band Boosters" and send to Bellevue High School before the date of the festival. The price of entry this year will be $325 per band.
PAYMENT WITH CHECKS
Please make checks payable to the following address:
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Bellevue Band Boosters
BO Pox 1355
Bellevue, WA 98008
ONLINE FORM
Complete the online form below. Fill out multiple forms if you are signing up multiple bands, this will ensure your bands are placed in the correct division. Once you have submitted your form, a confirmation email will be sent to the email provided. Please read the email and wait for further instructions from bellevuehighband@outlook.com.