JENERATIONS JAZZ FESTIVAL

• Participants are scheduled on a first-come first-served basis.
• Minimum ensemble size is trio (3).
• Ensembles will not be accepted that include an abundance of duplicate members.
• You may apply for more than one group.
• Presenting a clinic or performing at the conference does not prohibit you or your ensemble(s) from participating in the JENerations Jazz Festival.
• You (and your ensemble) may participate in JJF every year.
• Membership in JEN (as a Full Individual or Chapter organizer, Institution or Corporate) is required of the ensemble Director to participate.
  • eJEN membership is not eligible to participate. 
  • The Director’s Membership must be current to participate at conference time. Renewal may be necessary in order to comply. 
• Open to non-pro school/community ensembles of all age groups.
• Multiple groups from the same school/organization are permitted (separate registration for each ensemble required).
• Audio submissions are not required.
• Participation Fees (for students, additional directors, and chaperones) are required as detailed further below.

APPLICATION TYPES may include any style of music.

• NOTE: You must be logged in as a Full JEN Individual Member, Chapter Member, Institution or Corporate Partner Member to apply to participate at the Annual JENerations Jazz Festival at the Conference. If you are an eJEN member and wish to upgrade to a Full Individual membership status, email [email protected] or call 312-781-6299 for assistance. 
• JJF REGISTRATION IS A 2-STEP PROCESS:
  • Pay the non-refundable ensemble registration fee; AND 
  • Complete the JJF Information Form (Link provided upon payment of registration).
• A receipt will be emailed to you from the Jazz Education Network confirming payment of your ensemble registration fee(s). 
• An additional email with the JJF Information Form link will be sent to the email address you used to register you ensemble(s). It may go to your SPAM folder. Do check there. If you did not receive a this email, contact JEN.
• You will be asked for the following information:
  • Contact Information
from the person completing the application
  • Director’s information (if you are a Representative completing the application for another person)
  • Ensemble Information
  • Commitment to attend and participate and to reserve lodging in the Official JEN Conference hotel
    • Commuters within a 100 mile radius are exempt from the lodging requirement
  • Acknowledgement of expense to be borne by individuals or sponsoring institution
  • Acknowledgement that membership as the Director will remain current at the time of the Conference
  • Acknowledgment of permission to use name, image, and likeness in promotion of the event and for future conference and JEN events
  • Release of liability to JEN and/or Hotel to participate in the conference and JENerations Jazz Festival

• ONCE ENSEMBLE FEE(s) IS/ARE PAID, You will be advised by the JEN office when to make payment for the appropriate Student Participation fee(s) at a later date via invoice:
  • JEN accepts payment by credit card, a check, or School Purchase Order
  • Checks should be sent to:
    Jazz Education Network
    JENerations Jazz Festival
    Jazz Education Network
    1440 W. Taylor St #1135
    Chicago IL 60607
    Phone: 1-312-781-6299
  • Purchase Orders should be emailed to:
    Email: [email protected]

Completing the JENerations Jazz Festival Information Form is a requirement in order to be scheduled to participate in the JENerations Jazz Festival at the Annual JEN Conference. Please be advised materials will not be accepted in any other form.

After completing and clicking to SUBMIT the JENerations Jazz Festival Information Form, you will receive a Confirmation Screen. 

There are two fees associated with  participating in the JENerations Jazz Festival component of the conference as detailed below:

1. ENSEMBLE REGISTRATION FEE  (due upon completing the online application process) *This fee is non-refundable after September 1st.

Click to log in and choose “Conference Registration” in the dropdown to pay your fees.

• Large Ensemble Application Fee – $225
  • 10+ ensemble participants
• Small Ensemble Application Fee – $150
  • 2-9 ensemble participants

• Individual Performer Participant Fee – $25 per JJF performer (participant)
  • due and payable by Dec 10th for each performing member in each ensemble.
  • Example:  A student performing in two or more ensembles will be assessed two or more participation fees.

• February 1st: Applications open for JEN Chapters only

• March 1st: Applications open for all JEN Full Individual Members
  • Applications will be reviewed and accepted as received until all slots are filled.
  • Applicants will be notified officially of acceptance by email from the Conference or JJF Coordinator.
  • An Ensemble Fee must be paid and the Ensemble Information Form must be completed in order for JEN to hold your slot.
  • There are no refunds on ensemble participation fees.
  • Application Fees can be paid using these forms of payment:
    • Credit Card
    • Check
    • School Purchase Order

• November 21 – Badge registration deadline

• November 22 – December 10:  New online badge registration submissions from Nov. 22 – Dec. 10 will be charged a $50 service fee.

• December 10 – No online badge submissions or changes will be accepted and must be done at the conference registration dest in Atlanta. A service fee of $75 will be charged at that time.

NOTE: Badge registration is part of your task list in the Conference Harvester.  

Anyone attending the conference is required to have a registration badge in order to move freely about the conference.

BADGE REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

As established by the Board of Directors, participants in your ensemble(s) will receive a complimentary registration badge to attend the conference as follows: 

• One Student badge for each participating ensemble member.
• One Director badge per ensemble.

• One Chaperone badge allotment per every five student participants in your ensemble(s).
            Example: 16 student participants = 4 badges
• If you desire additional chaperone and/or director badges beyond the allotment, you will be able to purchase them for an additional fee of $100 each, also valid for the entire conference. 

Reminder: Onsite Registrations: $75 late fee will be assessed at the conference registration counter.

• Coming soon for 2025

Answer: Each of the 3 JENerations Venues will have full backline provided which includes:

• Professional Sound Reinforcement and Crew with limited microphones appropriate to each venue
  • All JJF clinic venues are equipped with a multi-channel mixer, speakers, and a monitor(s).
    • The VOCAL JJF clinic room is equipped with a maximum 16 microphones. If you require more than 16 microphones, OR specialty microphones, you should plan to bring them with you.
    • Instrumental JJF clinic rooms are equipped with a maximum of 5 microphones. If you require more than 5 microphones, OR specialty microphones, you should plan to bring them with you.
• 1 Digital Piano provided by Yamaha
• 1 Professional Quality Bass Amp provided by Fender
• 1 Professional Quality Guitar Amp provided by Fender
• 1 Professional Quality Drum set provided by Mapex
  • Bass Drum/snare drum/2 rack toms/1 floor tom/3 cymbal stands/hi-hat stand
  • JEN is not able to provide cymbals so please bring your own
• Ample Music Stands for your ensemble as requested per your application
• Percussion, including congas, timbales and trap stand as requested per your application
  • JEN does not provide specialty percussion items such as djembe, marimba, xylophone, etc.)
• Electric Keyboard if requested in your application
• JEN is not able to provide a B3 organ
• JEN is not able to provide acoustic basses.
  • Contact information to rent a bass is provided below as it becomes available
• ​​Sample downloadable Stage Plots are below for your reference

Answer: Should you request a different time after you were notified of your scheduling, we will attempt to accommodate your request, but may find it necessary to replace your performance due to the difficulty related to making changes at late dates in the scheduling process.

Answer: You will be able to unpack your horns in a Green room in very close proximity to your JJF Performance/Clinic venue 1/2 an hour prior to and immediately following your performance.  You will also be able to leave your cases in that green room during your performance. NOTE: You may not play or warm-up in these rooms. You will be escorted to your performance/clinic venue by a JEN Representative 15-20 minutes PRIOR to your scheduled time slot.

Answer: JEN does not provide storage space for equipment on site.  For that reason we provide Full Backline in all venues. Please refer to the BACKLINE heading for items provided in order to determine what you need to bring.

Answer: JEN produces 65+ concerts, 65+ clinics, and 54 participant performance/clinics in the JJF during the annual conference, in addition to hosting several committee meetings, research and music business presentations. JEN is rarely able to provide rehearsal space for anyone, as all spaces are being used throughout the day and are often not available due to contractual obligation with the hotel. On rare occassion and subject to change in each location of the conference, meeting space or rehearsal space may become available, and is offered strictly on a first-come first-served basis for a small fee. Refer to the online form related to *Conference Space Rental (generally Available after September 1st). Your best bet for rehearsal space is to seek help from one of the local schools in the region.

*12/9/24 Conference Space Rental closed.

Answer: JEN Conference Performers or Presenters may not sell cds from the stage. This situation clogs up entry into and out of the performance and clinic venues, and turnaround time is quite limited between performances and clinics. We appreciate your cooperation in this endeavor. You may sell cds in limited quantities, as detailed on the JEN CD Sales Agreement, in the JENeral Store, open daily during Exhibit hours at the conference site.

If you desire to sell your cds, please download the CD Sales Agreement posted at the bottom of this page. Complete the form and bring it with your product as instructed to the JENeral Store for product check in. You should pick up your remaining cds on Saturday between 12noon and no later than 4:30pm if you desire to have any remaining inventory returned to you.

Answer: In order to move the lines faster, there are various lines at the Registration Counter. Please read this information in its entirety to find out where you should pick up your badge:

• School & Community Ensemble Directors should pick up badges for the entire ensemble and chaperones at the Performers & Clinicians window. Badges will not be released to individual performers of any JJF ensemble.

Answer: Ensembles will receive one (1) Registration Badge valid for the entire conference for each member of the ensemble AND its listed director. In addition,  you will receive an allotment for chaperone/management credentials  (1 additional badge per every 5 student participants in your ensemble(s) as detailed above. Additional badges for chaperones above your allotment will be billed at $100 per chaperone.

 Can you tell me when and how to send in the ensemble member information in order to register all of the members of my group, to be certain we have Registration Badges when we arrive at the conference site??

Answer: The window to submit this information will be no later than November 15th through the deadline of December 15th. If you still need to submit badge information and the deadline has passed, contact Dr. Lou Fischer, Conference Coordinator directly at [email protected] immediately for further information and instructions.

A link to the Registration Portal to be used for Ensemble Registration will be distributed via email and must be returned to JEN by December 10th to avoid the long lines at the JEN Registration desk at the conference. Accepted Performers are to complete this very important step in the process to ensure that you and the members of your ensemble and allotted chaperones have accurate Registration Badges upon arrival to the conference site. Anyone attending the conference is required to have a registration badge to move freely about the conference.

Answer: Ensemble Directors are allowed to request one (1) additional chaperone badge for every 5 members in your ensemble, and yes, do count yourself in the ensemble total, rounding off to the nearest multiplier of five (5), to arrive at the total allotment for chaperones. For example, if you have an eighteen (18) piece big band + yourself, you will be allowed to request four (4) additional credentials beyond the members of your ensemble, as the nearest multiplier of five (5) is twenty (20). If you have a sixteen (16) piece ensemble + yourself, you will be allowed three (3) additional badges as the closest multiplier of five (5) is fifteen (15).

Answer: Additional Chaperone/Management Badges can be purchased by the leader or director of an ensemble for a fee of $100, which grants the individual open access the entire conference, without purchasing membership. The ability to register additional chaperones/management is a privilege offered to you as a result of your ensemble being accepted to perform. The intent is to assist in allowing family members and supporters of your program to attend the conference to enjoy your performance at a reasonable rate. You will be billed after submitting your registration information for any chaperones beyond the established allotment.

Answer: Yes, until December 10th. Please see the JJF TIMELINE & DEADLINES FAQ above for more detailed information. Fees apply if registered after November 21st.

Answer: Family members can purchase a Single Day Event Ticket for $40 (Children under 13 admitted free) to attend a specific daytime performance. Tickets are not sold for the Evening Performances in this manner. An Evening Concert Ticket for $110 must be purchased to attend any evening concert if an individual elects to purchase a ticket rather than a badge for the day or entire conference.

Answer: JEN does not provide basses at the conference. However, we attempt to find local resources where you can rent a bass for your performance at the conference. We recommend you reserve a bass earlier than the week of the conference to ensure availability. Rental negotiations are your responsibility and obligation. JEN provides no liability in this regard. Information will be published as it becomes available.

2025 LOCAL BASS RENTAL INFORMATION:

Renting a bass for use at the conference is quite easy. You work in advance to reserve the bass of your choice directly with the supplier as listed below. Basses are kept on site in the Production Central area for ease of pickup and return for your convenience. Arrangements are between you and the supplier. Rental fees are established by and payable directly to the supplier. JEN does not receiving any portion of the rental fee. JEN does not assume any responsibility, obligation or liability for using the suppliers services.

CONTACT:  Martin Masakowski 504-284-8007 (call or text) or [email protected]

TYPES OF BASSES FOR RENT

• Carved German 3/4 bass circa 1920
  • Fishman full circle pickup
  • Thomastik Spirocore Weich strings (purple top)
  • String length: 41.5″ (105cm)
  • Adjustable bridgeto
  • $80 per hour. 

• Italian Labeled 7/8 bass circa 1950
  • Realist lifeline pickup
  • Thomastik Spirocore weich strings (purple tops)
  • String Length: 41″ (104cm)
  • Adjustable bridge
  • $80 per hour.

• German Plywood circa 1960
  • Fishman Full Circle Pickup
  • Thomastik Spirocore medium strings (red tops)
  • String Length: 41″ (104cm)
  • Adjustable Bridge
  • $40 per hour. 

• American Plywood Bass (Kay) 1965
  • Fishman BP-100 Pickup
  • Thomastik Spirocore medium strings (red tops)
  • String Length: 41.5″ (105cm)
  • Adjustable bridge
  • $40 per hour. 

• Chinese Plywood Bass
  • Underwood Pickup
  • Thomastik Spirocore medium strings (red tops)
  • String Length: 41″ (104cm)
  • Adjustable Bridge
  • $40 per hour. 

All payments accepted. Cash/Credit/Paypal/Venmo/Crypto.

CONTACT:  Martin Masakowski 504-284-8007 (call or text) or [email protected]

JJF Past Participants

Alabama State University
American Music Program
Arlington High School Jazz Band
Atherton HS Jazz Band
Austin Academy Jazz Ensemble I
Bellevue College Vocal Jazz Ensemble ‘Celebration’
Bemidji State University’s Blue Ice
Big D Jazz Ensemble I
Blackhawk Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Booker T. Washington HSPVA Jazz Singers
Bowling Green State University (OH) Jazz Singers
Brookhaven College Jazz Harp Ensemble
Brown School Jazz Combo
CAFCA Music Ensemble
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Crescent Super Band
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Little Big Band
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Time Check Jazz Orchestra
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse Ooh La La
Capital University Big Band
Capital University conFUSION BAND
Capital University Jazz Consort
Capital University Jazz Percussion Ensemble
Capital University Savoy Ensemble
Capital University Vanguard Ensemble
Carroll Senior High School Jazz Orchestra
Cedar Hill High School Longhorn Steel Band
Celina High School Jazz Band
Chicago High School for the Arts (Chiarts) Honors Jazz Combo
Conkright Middle School Jazz Band
Crescent Octet
Christopher Newton University Jazz Combo
Dallas Jazz Harp Ensemble
Denton High School Lab Band 1
Denton High School 2
Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Vocal
Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band 1
Emerging Artists Project
Emory University Saxophone Quartet
Folsom High School Combo
Folsom High School Jazz Band I
Folsom High School Jazz Band II
Folsom High School Jazz Choir I
Friends University Jazz Ensemble I
Friends University Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Georgetown Day High School Jazz and Creative Music Ensemble
Georgetown Day High School Arty Saul & his Orchestra
Georgetown Day High School XD4
Georgetown Day High School Tenleytown Ramblers
Georgia Tech Jazz Ensemble I
Girls Ellington Project
Green Valley HS Jazz I
Green Valley High School Jazz II
Green Valley High School Jazz Combo
Grissom High School ‘A’ Jazz Ensemble
Grissom High School ‘B’ Jazz Ensemble
Harry D. Jacobs High School Superscript 7 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Jazz Combo I
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Jazz Combo II
Hillfield Strathalian College Senior Jazz
HKIED Jazz Ensemble
Hoover Jam from Hoover High School
Hot House Screaming Kicks
Humber BSG Trio
Indiana University Jazz Ensemble
Indiana University Vocal Jazz Ensemble I
Jokobissimo
Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Combo
Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Ensemble
Kansas City Kansas Community College The Standard Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Kirkwood Community College Jazz Transit
Lindenwood University Jazz Band
Lone Peak High School Advanced Big Band
Lone Peak High School Big Band II
Long Beach City College jazz Ensemble
Long Beach City College Lyrical Workers
Los Angeles Harbor College Jazz Combo
Madison Southern High School Jazz Ensemble
Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (MAYJO) Sponsored by the University of Nebraska Omaha
Milton Academy Jazz Combo I
Milton Academy Jazz Combo II
Milton Academy Jazz Combo III
Minnesota State University The Snaps
Missouri Southern State University Jazz Orchestra
Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo
Morehead State University Big Band
Morehead State University Jazz Combo
National Jazz Workshop All-Star Jazz Orchestra
North Carolina Central University VOCAL Jazz Ensemble
NCTC Jazz Orchestra
Northview Titan Strings
Oklahoma Christian University Jazz Ensemble
Oklahoma Christian University Jazz Combo
Oklahoma City Community College Jazz Ensemble
Overland Park Blue Valley Southwest High School Trebleaires
Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) Jazz Combo I
Rock Bridge High School Impressions Combo
Rock Bridge High School Jazz Ensemble
Rock Bridge High School Stolen Moments Combo
Roosevelt High School Vocal Jazz
Roosevelt University Large Jazz Ensemble
Roosevelt University Puentes LatinJazz Ensemble
Salinas High School Vocal Jazz
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts Ellington Jazz Ensemble
Stetson University Jazz Ensemble
St. Francis Jazz Combo
St. Francis Middle School Jazz Band
Synergy Jazz Youth Combo
Temple High School Blues
Temple High School Highlighters
Texas Christian University Jazz Ensemble
Texas City Jazz Band
The New School Quartet
The New School Improv Ensemble
Tyler Junior College Jazz Ensemble 1
Tyler Junior College Jazz Ensemble 2
Thelma Yellin Big Band
The Urban School of San Francisco
Thurman White Academy Advanced Jazz Blue I
Thurman White Academy Advanced Jazz Blue II
Tonica Ensemble of Guadalajara
University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble
University of Lethbridge Jazz Ensemble
University of Miami FROST Jazz Sextet
University of Missouri Kansas City 11 O’Clock Big Band
University of Missouri Kansas City Concert Jazz Band
University of Nebraska Omaha Boptet
University of Nebraska Omaha Jazz Combo One
University of Nebraska Omaha Jazz Ensemble
University of North Carolina Pembroke Jazz Combo
University of North Florida Studio Ensemble
University of North Georgia Jazz Ensemble
University of North Texas Avenue C
University of North Texas Third Street
University of North Texas West End
University of the Cumberlands Jazz Combo
Waco High School Jazz Ensemble
Wakeland High School Jazz Ensemble 1
Webb City High School Jazz Ensemble
West Ranch High School Studio A Jazz Band
Western Michigan University Desolation Row
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Batterman Ensemble
Xander Davies Quartet