The Competition Landscape
Jazz band competitions and festivals are a cornerstone of music education. From local school competitions to national events like Essentially Ellington, these events provide invaluable performance experience and motivate musicians to reach higher standards.
Choosing Competition Music
Match the Grade to Your Ensemble Most competitions have grade categories. Choose music that: Is appropriate for your ensemble's actual level (not aspirational) Allows your musicians to perform rather than just survive Showcases your ensemble's strengths
Rule of thumb: If your ensemble can't play the chart at 90% accuracy in the first three rehearsals, it's too hard for competition.
Consider the Judges Competition judges typically evaluate: 1. Intonation — Is the ensemble in tune? 2. Rhythm — Is the swing feel authentic? 3. Balance and blend — Do sections sound unified? 4. Dynamics — Is there contrast and expression? 5. Soloists — Are improvisers musical and stylistically appropriate?
Choose music that allows you to excel in all five areas.
The "Crowd vs. Judges" Balance Some arrangements are crowd-pleasers but technically simple. Others are musically sophisticated but less exciting for general audiences. The best competition charts do both.