The WSU Jazz Invitational is an annual celebration of jazz and jazz education, held every April in partnership with the Wichita Jazz Festival. This full-day event brings together student big bands from across the region for performances, adjudications and educational clinics led by distinguished jazz educators. Events are at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Student tickets are available at no additional charge with your Shocker ID.
The invitational culminates in a headline concert featuring a renowned jazz trombonist Nick Finzer performing with WSU’s Jazz Arts 1 Ensemble and the Mid-Kansas Jazz Ensemble, the region’s only auditioned high school honor jazz band.
Event highlights:
- Student Performances – Middle school, high school and collegiate big bands from across Kansas and surrounding states take the stage.
- Educational Clinics – Ensembles receive coaching from leading jazz educators and professional musicians.
- Headline Concert – A world-class jazz artist performs with WSU’s top jazz ensembles.
- Partnership with the Wichita Jazz Festival – The invitational serves as the Friday programming for this multi-day festival, which has brought jazz luminaries to Wichita for over 50 years.
About the Wichita Jazz Festival:
Founded more than five decades ago, the Wichita Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country. Each year, the festival presents performances, workshops and educational opportunities, keeping jazz thriving in the Wichita community.
The WSU Jazz Invitational is one of the School of Music’s most visible events, bringing together students, educators and artists to celebrate the power of jazz.