University of Portland Jazz Festival

The University of Portland Jazz Festival showcases outstanding student musicians, guest artists, and clinicians from around the country, all contributing to a vibrant celebration of jazz performance and education on our campus. Since its inception, the UP Jazz Festival has become a premier student jazz event in the Pacific Northwest. We support a mission of excellent teaching and individual attention in an environment that fosters development of the whole person, and our goal is to ensure that every participant leaves the festival inspired, with a greater appreciation for the art of jazz.

The 2023 Jazz Festival will be a one-day, non-competitive, educational festival aimed at providing a thorough and exciting educational experience for all students and educators in attendance, with both middle school and high school bands invited to attend on Wednesday, April 5. The Festival will feature performances by student ensembles, a clinic for each participating student group, a master class with this year’s guest artist, steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague, a performance by the UP Jazz Faculty, and a concert featuring the UP Jazz Ensemble featuring Professor Teague.

For 2023, please also note the new registration fee and format on our “Applications” page, which will allow for more students to attend at a lower cost to directors. Please contact Dr. Don Norton at nortond@up.edu with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you at the Festival!