Competition Rules

There are two Sections within the National Youth Jazz Competition:

• Jazz Big Band Section – must have a minimum of 11 players and no more than 22 players. These must include a minimum of at least one trumpet, one saxophone, and one trombone.
• Jazz Combo Section – must have a minimum of four players, and a maximum of nine players.

General Rules

• The Competition is open to all bands whose performers, whether vocal or instrumental, are enrolled at a secondary school.
• Vocalists are counted as players in all sections.
• A player may only perform in one group in each section (Special dispensation may be applied for, by writing to the National Youth Jazz Competition Manager).
• Band members must all be enrolled at the same school.
• All pieces will be judged and carry equal weight in the judges’ decision. The judges decisions are final.
• Only the sound system provided shall be used by the competitors. The Big Band section will have 5 microphones available to be used at your discretion. Four mics will be provided in the Combo sections. Piano, drum kit, guitar and bass amps will be supplied. Music stands and conductor stand will be provided. Bring your own cymbals, kick pedal, hi-hat clutch and keyboard.
• Band leaders and teachers may not perform with their bands.

Jazz Big Band Section

Each band must perform FOUR pieces:

1. Set piece. This item will be set each year by the Judges in consultation with the National Youth Jazz Competition Manager. This item will include an open section for solos, and at least 3 soloists must be featured. Information on the set piece will be listed on the Competition website.
2. Own choice – ballad
3. Own choice – latin, jazz rock, funk, or modern jazz
4. Own choice

• A Big Band may change personnel and instrumentation during the performance provided that there are no more than 22 on stage at any one time.
• The maximum playing time is 20 minutes. Points may be deducted if bands perform over the time limit (allowances will be made for equipment failure).
• Judges take into consideration the amount of difference in styles between the four pieces that are played. The adjudicators will pay particular attention to correct articulation and phrasing, intonation, ensemble balance and blend, soloists, rhythm section groove.
• One full score of each Big Band piece is to be provided and handed to the judges immediately prior to your performance.

Jazz Combo Section

Each band must perform FOUR pieces which will include:

1. Set piece
2. 3 other own choice pieces

• The maximum playing time is 20 minutes. Points may be deducted if bands perform over the time limit (allowances will be made for equipment failure).
• Judges take into consideration the amount of difference in styles between the three pieces that are played. Emphasis on improvisation and solos, and an engaging performance.
• One full score, reduced score, or a lead sheet for each piece including original compositions is to be provided and handed to the Judges immediately prior to your performance.

Adjudication

• There will be two Big Band Judges and two Combo Judges.
• All bands will receive written comments from the adjudicators, will be graded by points, and be eligible for trophies plus Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.

Award Tiers

Gold award	85–100%
Silver award	65–84%
Bronze award	64% or less