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

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jazz Day is a unique opportunity for high school jazz bands and their directors to perform for each other and NIU School of Music faculty members. Each band performs a 20-minute concert in the Music Building concert hall or recital hall, followed by a 20-minute clinic session conducted by NIU faculty. Students and band directors also participate in a clinic led by NIU jazz faculty. Outstanding soloists will receive scholarships to attend Jazz Combo Day!

View Sample Jazz Day Schedule (XLSX)

Registration

• Cost: $275 per school (due two weeks before the event)
• Registration deadline: Dec. 5, 2025
  • This clinic is limited to 12 high school jazz bands

Register Today

Be sure to register by the deadline. A registration fee is charged for each ensemble and is due two weeks before the event date.

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.

Staff

Students work with several of these NIU faculty members:

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