Competition Rules

There are two Sections within the National Youth Jazz Competition:

Jazz Big Band Section – must have a minimum of 11 players and no more than 22 players. These must include a minimum of at least one trumpet, one saxophone, and one trombone.

Jazz Combo Section – must have a minimum of four players, and a maximum of nine players. 

• The Competition is open to all bands whose performers, whether vocal or instrumental, are enrolled at any secondary school.
• Vocalists are counted as players in all sections. 
• A player may only perform in two groups in each section (Dispensation may be applied for, by writing to the National Youth Jazz Competition Manager).
• Two or more schools may join to form a band provided they rehearse together on a regular basis.
• All pieces will be judged and carry equal weight in the judges’ decision. The judges decisions are final.
• Only the sound system provided, shall be used by the competitors. The Big Band section will have 5 microphones available to be used at your discretion. Four mics will be provided in the Combo sections. Electric keyboard and Piano, drum kit, guitar and bass amps will be supplied. Music stands and conductor stand will be provided.
• Band leaders and teachers may not perform with their bands.

Jazz Big Band Section

Each band must perform FOUR pieces:

1. Set piece. This item will be set each year by the Judges in consultation with the National Youth Jazz Competition Manager. This item will include an open section for solos, and at least 3 soloists must be featured. Information on the set piece will be listed on the Competition website. 
2. own choice – ballad 
3. own choice – latin, jazz rock, funk, or modern jazz
4. own choice

A Big Band may change personnel and instrumentation during the performance provided that there are no more than 22 on stage at any one time.

The maximum playing time is 20 minutes. Points may be deducted if bands perform over the time limit (allowances will be made for equipment failure). 

Judges take into consideration the amount of difference in styles between the four pieces that are played. The adjudicators will pay particular attention to correct articulation and phrasing, intonation, ensemble balance and blend, soloists, rhythm section groove.

One full score of each Big Band piece is to be provided and handed to the judges immediately prior to your performance.

Jazz Combo Section

Each band must perform FOUR pieces which will include: 

1. Set piece
2. 3 other own choice pieces

The maximum playing time is 20 minutes. Points may be deducted if bands perform over the time limit (allowances will be made for equipment failure). 

Judges take into consideration the amount of difference in styles between the three pieces that are played. Emphasis on improvisation and solos, and an engaging performance. 

One full score, reduced score, or a lead sheet for each piece including original compositions is to be provided and handed to the Judges immediately prior to your performance.

Adjudication:

There will be two Big Band Judges and two Combo Judges.

All bands will receive written comments from the adjudicators, be graded by points, and be eligible for trophies plus Gold, Silver, Bronze and Emerging Awards.

Big Bands will be assessed on:

• Technical Skills (20%)
• Musicianship (25%)
• Horn Section (20%)
• Rhythm Section (20%)
• Improvisation (15%)

Combos will be assessed on:

• Technical Skills (20%)
• Ensemble (20%)
• Improvisation (25%)
• Interpretation (20%)
• Stage Craft (15%)

Gold award: 85-100%
Silver award: 65-84%
Bronze award: 45-64%
Emerging award: 44% or less.

The Judging Rubrics are below: