March 27-28, 2026
Established in 1993, the Collin College Jazz Fest features performances by middle
school and high school jazz bands from across the region, as well as evening concerts
featuring Collin College jazz students and faculty. Each participating ensemble will
receive an on-stage clinic with one of our adjudicators immediately following their
performance. Our festival is designed as an educational festival, so while we do not
give 1st-2nd-3rd place trophies or UIL-style ratings, we do recognize outstanding
bands with plaques and outstanding performer certificates will be awarded to deserving
students. Each year, a special featured guest artist is invited to perform and teach
at the festival. This year's festival guest will be announced shortly.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, March 27
Opening Concert featuring guest artist with Collin Jazz Faculty and Jazz Combo PM,
7 p.m., John Anthony Theatre
Saturday, March 28
Participating school ensemble performances and clinics, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., John Anthony
Theatre and other campus venues
Guest artist masterclass, 1 p.m., John Anthony Theatre
Awards Concert featuring guest artist with Collin Jazz Lab Band and Jazztet, 7 p.m.,
John Anthony Theatre
Note: Evening concerts are FREE to attend.
REGISTRATION POLICIES
Registration fee is $250 per band.
Registration is complete after completed form (available
soon – please check back) and payment have both been received.
Cancellations prior
to March 1, 2026 will receive a full refund.
After March 1, no further registration
refunds will be made.
Please note that, due to ongoing construction at the Plano Campus, we do not have
access to our usual third stage, the Living Legends Conference Center, which is housing
other college departments whose facilities are still being renovated. Therefore, our
initial maximum number of bands accepted will be 20 — ten per stage for our two currently
available stages. We will maintain a waiting list of bands after that, in the order
that applications are received. (Possible options for a third stage include our Atrium
[pending completion of construction] or a Friday afternoon option.)
Please contact Jazz Festival director Kevin McNerney for further information.