Jazz Festival

The 2027 University of Dubuque Jazz Festival will be held on Friday, February 5, 2027*, at University of Dubuque Heritage Center.

UD Jazz Festival offers high school jazz bands the opportunity to perform for clinicians, attend instrument-specific masterclasses, and experience a performance by jazz septet Shorter Stories, an acclaimed Midwestern jazz septet. The festival program, a meal, the jazz performance, and a UD campus tour are included for all participants.

Clinics
High school bands have a dedicated time slot to warm up, perform, and receive a clinic. Bands may watch other bands perform and clinic before or after their assigned clinic time.

Lunch
Complimentary lunch is provided for participants at Barbara and Jack Smeltzer Dining Hall, Peters Commons on the University of Dubuque campus.

Campus Tours
Participants will receive a campus tour hosted by the Office of Admission.

Masterclasses
Student musicians will attend a masterclass for saxophones, trumpets, trombones, or rhythm section with Shorter Stories musicians.

Concert/Jam Session
During this hour-long concert and jam session, Shorter Stories will play a variety of jazz styles. Students will have an opportunity to participate in the jam session.

Multiple Bands
Schools are welcome to apply for multiple ensembles from their high school to attend. Please fill out a separate application for each band. A multiple band discount is not offered.

Festival Fee
$200.00 per band

Sample Schedule**
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon: Clinics
12 noon - 2:00 p.m. Lunch and Campus Tours
2:15 - 3:45 p.m.: Masterclasses
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Shorter Stories Performance and Jam Session

* No alternate inclement weather date will be offered.
** 2027 schedule subject to change.

FEATURED PERFORMANCE

Shorter Stories