Northern Illinois University
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Office of External Programs

March 17, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 9 pm.

Jazz Combo Day is for individual high school jazz players. It gives you the opportunity to play with the area's best high school musicians and to meet accomplished NIU faculty members and guest artists. The event takes place in the Music Building.

You must submit a digital audition or be invited in order to attend. If accepted, you will participate in one of several combos at the event. Your day includes a dinner, followed by performances by the student combos and ends with a concert by NIU jazz faculty members.

Auditions and Registration

The audition deadline is February 25, 2026.

Submit audition

Accepted Participants

Participant cost: $75 per participant, including dinner.

Guests may attend the evening performances for free, but if they would like to join the participants for dinner, there is a $25 fee per guest meal.

The registration deadline is March 4, 2026.

Register Today

Cancellations

If you cancel five or more business days before the event, you may request a refund from Kristin Sherman at ksherman2@niu.edu or 815-753-1450. No refunds will be made after this time unless NIU cancels the event.

Sample Event Schedule (PDF)

Staff

Students work with several NIU faculty members, including:

• Mark Davis (piano)
• Geof Bradfield (saxophone)
• Bobby Broom (guitar)
• Tom Garling (trombone)
• Roosevelt Griffin III (director and professor of jazz studies)
• Marlene Rosenberg (bass)
• Rodrigo Villanueva (drumset)
• Pharez Whitted (trumpet)