2024 Charles Mingus Festival will take place February 16-19, 2024, with essential High School Competition events happening Saturday, Feb 17 & Sunday, Feb 18, 2024

Now accepting applications! https://charlesmingus.org

Recordings are due Dec 9, 2023, and entry fee increases Nov 1, so request your sheet music soon!

Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) and Dr. Keller Coker of The School of Jazz & Contemporary Music at The New School are excited to announce the Sixteenth Annual Charles Mingus Festival & High School Competition, founded in 2008 by NEA Jazz Master Sue Mingus.

The Competition/Festival weekend includes optional Friday and essential Saturday workshops and masterclasses at The New School, run by veteran Mingus repertory musicians and educators, a full day Sunday of Competition performances, special Mingus Big Band concerts, and numerous opportunities to immerse in the sights and sounds of New York City.

In addition, at least 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 Festival. Award will be based on Competition performance, and application and acceptance to The New School’s Jazz & Contemporary Music program. Outstanding soloists from the Competition are invited to sit in on Sunday with the Mingus Big Band, performing at DROM all weekend.

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.

Who can participate?

Combos and big bands from high schools nationwide.

Combos and big bands are subdivided into a) non-specialized high schools and b) specialized schools and programs, which includes self-directed combos.

What does self-directed combo mean?

Students may independently assemble a combo with other high school-aged students from anywhere and self-direct the ensemble. Groups will need adult approval and trip supervision, as specified in the application.

All events are open to the public.