Western Australian Schools' Jazz Festival
Western Australian Schools' Jazz Festival
The 29th Western Australian Schools’ Jazz Festival is run in conjunction with the Australian Jazz Education Association (AJEA).
Event details
Date: Sunday 3 August 2025.
Venue: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University.
Eligibility: There are 2 ensemble categories in the festival. The combo category is designed for smaller jazz groups with 8 players or less. In the full ensemble category, there are 3 divisions.
- Division 1 - ensembles who perform repertoire at or above level 3.
- Division 2 - ensembles who perform repertoire at level 2-3.
- Division 3 - ensembles who perform repertoire at or below level 1-2.
Participating non-government schools must hold a current APRA license. Public schools are covered by the Department of Education’s license.
Applications: Applications open Week 4, Term 1 on 24 February 2025.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the event (no presales). Performers and directors will be admitted without charge. Ticket prices for other audience members are:
- $8.00 Adults
- $6.00 Concession
- $21.00 Family
Card payments are preferred.
- Festival aims
- Adjudication and grading
- Music selections list
- Other festival conditions
- Photographs
- Volunteering
The aims of the festival are to:
- give ensembles an opportunity to play in an outstanding venue
- give ensemble members an opportunity to hear others perform
- provide each ensemble with constructive comments from informed adjudicators
- present to each ensemble a certificate which recognises its participation.
All ensembles participating in the festival will receive adjudication comments and a certificate of recognition for their performance in the festival.
Small combos have the option of participating in a workshop with one of the adjudicators after their performance. The total amount of time allocated for performance and workshop per ensemble is 30 minutes. The workshop will be held on stage immediately after the performance and the audience is welcomed to view this workshop. After each ensemble's workshop, the ensemble will move into allocated seating in the audience to view the following ensemble's performance before having their photo taken.
While best efforts will be made to schedule all requested workshops, there will be a limit on the number of workshops available due to venue and time constraints. Please indicate on the application form if your ensemble would like to participate in a workshop.
Each participating group, whether full ensemble or combo, is expected to present an appropriate program of up to 3 pieces, with a total performance time not exceeding 15 minutes.
Although there are no set pieces, ensembles are encouraged to choose a balanced program of recognised jazz repertoire that includes a swing arrangement and a ballad, complementing this with either a Latin or a fusion/rock/funk jazz tune. Bands are encouraged to present at least one work composed by Basie, Ellington, Mingus, Monk or Davis.
We will provide a suggested repertoire list.
- While teachers or other adults are permitted to play in participating ensembles, ensembles in Divisions 1 or 2 will not be eligible for awards if adults perform with the ensemble.
- Minimal percussion is provided (includes a 5 piece drum kit). Please bring your own specific percussion instruments.
Photographs of participating ensembles from the 2024 festival are available for viewing and purchase at ProPhotoBooth. Use the password 'jazz24'.
One of the reasons for the outstanding success of the festival is the contribution made by volunteers. Some of the tasks we need volunteers for include stage management, ticket selling and marshalling.
Volunteering is a great way to meet other directors and hear bands from other schools and divisions.
If you are interested in volunteering, register for your preferred session or sessions using the online database.
Contact us
For festival enquiries, email Instrumental Music School Services at IM.SS.Events@education.wa.edu.au.