SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival

14th Annual
SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival

Friday and Saturday, April 5th & 6th, 2024


The State's Oldest Jazz Festival...
66 years running!


About the Festival

The Jazz Festival is a competitive, educational event where high school and college jazz bands perform at 30 minute intervals throughout the day. Participating ensembles receive critique sheets from each of the nationally renowned jazz educators, and are strongly encouraged to hear performances of at least two other bands. This will provide valuable listening opportunities for young, developing musicians, plus ensure appreciative, dedicated audiences for all of the performing groups.

Division ratings will appear on each band's critique sheet and trophies will be awarded on the consensus of the judges at the awards ceremony. First, Second, and Third place will be awarded within each category: college, high school and middle school. Outstanding Soloists and Musicians will also be selected. Awards will be announced and presented during the SHSU Jazz Ensemble closing performance. This adds an element of excitement to the festivities and recognizes superior individual achievement.

Each group registration fee of $450 includes the adjudication, an audio cd of the performance, access to clinics and the daytime performances as well as admittance to the evening concert. Evening concert tickets for the general public can be purchased separately.


Purchase Jazz Ensemble Recordings:

Fire Dance CD Cover

"Fire Dance"

Jazz CD

BUY CD

MacArthur Park CD Cover

"MacArthur Park"

Jazz CD

BUY CD

When You're Smiling CD & DVD Cover

"When You're Smiling"

Jazz CD

BUY CD

SHSU TMEA 2016

SHSU Jazz Ensemble
2016 TMEA
Lila Cockrell Theatre

"Live Performance"

BUY CD

SHSU TMEA 2014

SHSU Jazz Ensemble
2014 Midwest Clinic
Chicago, IL

"Live Performance"

BUY CD

SHSU TMEA 2012

SHSU Jazz Ensemble
2012 TMEA
San Antonio, TX

"Live Performance"

BUY CD

Spotlight CD Cover

"Spotlight"

Jazz CD

BUY CD