The Mason Jazz Festival is a yearly invitational event open to middle school, high school, collegiate and community Jazz ensembles. The festival takes place in March on the George Mason University Fairfax campus. Please check back in 2025 for details of next year's event.
Sponsored by Mason Jazz Studies participating groups will perform a 20-30 minute set, followed by a clinic by Mason Jazz faculty and special guests.
In 2024, the festival included:
- 3 “Outstanding Soloist” (cash prizes) and
- 4 “Best Section” awards, as well as scholarships to the Mason Jazz Camp, summer 2024.
- New this year – Live performance recordings for Band Directors.
Guests enjoyed performances by the Mason Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, Hot Lanes Big Band, directed by Bobby Jasinksi, JazzWorx Big Band, directed by Bill Schnepper, and a special Mason Jazz Faculty All-Star Concert."
The March 2024 Schedule was as follows:
10:00am Yorktown High School
10:30am Walkersville High School
11:00am Georgetown Day School
12:00pm Intermission
1:00pm Hot Lanes Big Band
2:00pm Wakefield High School
2:30pm Mountain View High School
3:00pm Chancellor High School
3:30pm Alexandria City High School
4:30pm JazzWorx Big Band
5:30pm Awards Ceremony
6:00pm Intermission
7:00pm Mason Jazz Ensemble
7:30pm Mason Jazz Faculty All-Stars
