Jazz Festival

We're excited to announce an important change to one of Towson University's long-standing traditions in music education.

Introducing the TU Jazz/Commercial (JC) Ensembles Festival!

After many successful years hosting the TU Jazz Festival for school bands, we are transforming the event into a more personalized, student-focused experience. 

Beginning Spring 2026, we will no longer host the Towson University Jazz Festival. 

Instead, we are launching a new and innovative opportunity for individual students, presented in partnership with the renowned Murray Jazz Residency:

TU Honors JC Ensembles Festival


Open to 10th-12th grade musicians from across the mid-Atlantic – including students not currently in a school band program!

First Festival Details

  • Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
  • Locations: Towson University Center for the Arts
  • Guest Artist: Drew Gress - acclaimed bassist/composer and TU alum
  • Cost: $38 (includes T-shirt, lunch, and two (2) complimentary concert tickets)
  • Observer Info: Band directors and parents are welcome to attend for free (registration required)

How to Participate

  • Open to 12th, 11th, and 10th grade musicians
  • Nomination Opens, Monday, October 13, 2025
  • Nomination Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance: Friday, February 13, 2026
    • Acceptance will be based upon nomination and instrumentation.
    • VIdeo submission for ensemble placement only will be required of accepted students only.
  • Students may self-nominate or be nominated by a band director.
  • The festival will be offered each semester (Fall and Spring). Students not selected are encouraged to re-nominate for the next festival.

Nomination Form

Festival Schedule (Subject to Change)

  • 8:00 am - Check-in
  • 8:15 am - Welcome Session
  • 8:30 - 9:30 am - Instrument Masterclasses
  • 9:40 - 11:30 am - Ensemble Rehearsal
  • 11:30 - 12:50 pm - Lunch (provided)
  • 1:00 - 2:00 pm - TU Faculty Masterclass
  • 2:10 - 3:30 pm - Ensemble Rehearsal
  • 3:40 - 5:00 pm - Murray Jazz Residency Artist Masterclass
  • 5:00 - 6:30 pm - Dinner Break (not provided)/Change into Concert Attire
  • 8:00 pm - Evening Concert featuring the Honor JC Ensembles and the MJR artists with students of the TU Department of Music 

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to:

  • Rehearse and perform with fellow student musicians from around the region
  • Learn from TU's outstanding Jazz/Commercial Music Faculty
  • Work directly with our visiting guest artist through the Murray Jazz Residency

The Murray Jazz Residency is a program unique to Towson that hosts an internationally-recognized jazz artist for a week of concerts, classes and workshops.

Past artists include: 
Joe Lovano, William Parker, Gretchen Parlato, Wadada Leo Smith, Mark Guiliana, Mary Halvorson, and Matt Wilson.

We hope you’ll be part of this exciting new chapter in TU Jazz!

Sincerely,
The Jazz/Commercial Music Faculty
Towson University Department of Music