USC Jazz Festival/Essentially Ellington Regional Festival

The University of South Carolina Jazz Festival is a learning, adjudication and performance opportunity for regional high school and middle school jazz students to perform for and work with our world-class jazz faculty. This year, our guest artist is an Inductee into the 2024 American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Rodney Whitaker.

2025 USC Jazz Festival and Adjudication

Thursday, February 20, 2025

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Adjudication and clinics with Rodney Whitaker, USC Jazz Faculty and Jazz at Lincoln Center Faculty

Koger Center for the Arts

7:30 p.m.

Concert: Left Bank Big Band featuring Rodney Whitaker

Koger Center for the Arts

Each ensemble will have a 30-minute warm-up period, a 30-minute performance period in the School of Music Recital Hall and a 30-minute clinic with our jazz faculty or guest artist. Ensembles will also receive a professional recording of their performance.

Registration includes free tickets and reserved seating for all students to the evening concerts. There will be musical vendors on site. The School of Music is conveniently located near numerous dining and entertainment options. Hotel discounts are available for ensembles wishing to stay overnight.

Registration Deadline - January 30, 2025 ($150)

Early bird Registration - December 1, 2024 ($100)

Director of the USC Jazz Festival: Lauren Meccia

School of Music