Application Available for the 12th Annual Charles Mingus Festival February 14-17, 2020

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION 2020

Produced by Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute), and Dr. Keller Coker of The New School, the 12th Annual Charles Mingus High School Competition and Festival takes place in February. This year’s Festival includes a film showcase, student jams, a full day of instrumental clinics exploring the music of Charles Mingus, performances by the Mingus Big Band, and the nationwide Competition showcasing young jazz talent from high schools across the country.  Outstanding Soloists have an opportunity to perform with the Mingus Big Band on Sunday night!  

In addition, one $25,000 tuition scholarship to The New School will be awarded in the name of Charles Mingus, to a graduating senior participating in the Mingus Festival. Award will be based on Competition performance, and application and acceptance to The New School’s Jazz & Contemporary Music program.

Distinguished past adjudicators include: Gunther Schuller, Conductor/Composer, Pulitzer-Prize and MacArthur Grant Winner; Ken Pullig, Professor, Berklee College of Music; Justin DiCioccio, Director, Manhattan School of Music Jazz Arts Program; Conrad Herwig, Chair of Jazz Studies, Rutgers University; Robin Eubanks, Jazz Professor, Oberlin College; and musician/educators Boris Kozlov, Ku-umba Frank Lacy, Scott Robinson, Randy Brecker, Seamus Blake, Vincent Herring, Donny McCaslin, Christian McBride, Reggie Workman and many others.

All events are open to the public.

Can’t make it to New York City?  You can still participate!  Each school receives Mingus music for study, and expert feedback from Mingus musicians and educators!