IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival

• Site assignments are in progress.

• Site assignments are in progress.

• Complete five years of teaching or instruction in a specialized area of the marching arts
• Complete the “Music Adjudication” course offered through the National Federation of High Schools at nfhslearn.com and send course completion certificate to the IHSMA Office.
• Complete a new W-9 and send it to the IHSMA Office.
• NEW ADJUDICATORS: Request that two (2) currently approved adjudicators for the IHSMA write letters of recommendation for you on your behalf and send them to the IHSMA Office.

Adjudicators and clinicians for the IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival are selected because of their demonstrated expertise in jazz vocal performance, rehearsal techniques, music education, and their ability to provide meaningful educational feedback. Their role extends beyond evaluating a performance—they serve as teachers and mentors, helping students and directors strengthen their musicianship through immediate, practical instruction.

Qualified State Jazz Choir Festival adjudicators and clinicians typically possess:

• A strong background in jazz choral conducting, vocal jazz performance, or jazz education at the secondary or collegiate level.
• Demonstrated expertise in jazz style, interpretation, phrasing, articulation, swing feel, contemporary commercial vocal techniques, and vocal ensemble performance.
• Experience directing successful jazz choirs and developing student musicianship in rehearsal and performance settings.
• The ability to evaluate performances consistently using IHSMA adjudication standards while recognizing the educational goals and developmental level of each ensemble.
• Exceptional communication skills that provide constructive, specific, and encouraging verbal feedback during both adjudication and the post-performance clinic.
• A commitment to creating a positive educational environment that promotes student growth, confidence, and artistic achievement.
• Knowledge of current jazz repertoire, performance practices, improvisation, rhythm section performance, sound reinforcement considerations, and evolving trends in vocal jazz education.
• The ability to identify practical rehearsal strategies that directors and students can immediately apply to improve future performances.
• Professionalism, integrity, impartiality, and adherence to the IHSMA Adjudicator Code of Ethics.
• Current completion of required IHSMA adjudicator training, including NFHS Music Adjudication coursework and ongoing calibration and professional development.

The Educational Role of the Adjudicator

At the State Jazz Choir Festival, adjudication is intended to be instructional rather than simply evaluative. Following each performance, adjudicators work directly with the ensemble in an interactive clinic, reinforcing successful aspects of the performance while demonstrating techniques that improve style, ensemble precision, vocal production, musical expression, and overall artistry.

The most effective clinicians leave students energized, directors equipped with practical teaching ideas, and ensembles motivated to continue developing their understanding of jazz performance. The goal is to make every festival appearance a meaningful learning experience that extends well beyond the performance itself.

The IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival is built on the belief that meaningful evaluation supports meaningful learning. While each ensemble receives a numerical score and Division Rating, the primary purpose of the festival is educational. The combination of adjudication, immediate clinical instruction, and constructive feedback provides students and directors with valuable tools for continued musical growth.

Educational Feedback Comes First

The most valuable outcome of the festival is the feedback provided by experienced jazz educators.

Following each performance, one adjudicator works directly with the ensemble in a live clinic, reinforcing strengths while offering practical suggestions to improve:

• Vocal technique and tone production.
• Intonation and ensemble balance.
• Rhythm, groove, and stylistic accuracy.
• Jazz interpretation and phrasing.
• Improvisation and solo performance.
• Communication with the rhythm section.
• Stage presence and overall performance effectiveness.

This immediate instructional experience allows students to apply new concepts while the performance is still fresh, making the feedback both practical and memorable.

Understanding Scores

Adjudicators evaluate performances using the IHSMA Jazz Choir Festival ballot, which measures multiple components of successful jazz performance, including vocal production, intonation, articulation, ensemble performance, rhythm, jazz interpretation, improvisation, programming, and visual presentation and technique.

The numerical score reflects how successfully an ensemble demonstrates these performance standards during its festival performance. Scores provide consistency in evaluation while recognizing the many musical elements that contribute to outstanding vocal jazz performance.

Division Ratings

Numerical scores correspond to a Division Rating:

• Division I (Superior) – An exceptional performance demonstrating outstanding musicianship, authentic jazz style, technical proficiency, and artistic communication.
• Division II (Excellent) – A high-quality performance showing strong musical achievement with opportunities for continued refinement.
• Division III (Good) – A successful performance demonstrating developing musicianship and a solid understanding of jazz performance practices.
• Division IV (Fair) – A performance showing emerging skills with identifiable areas for continued growth.
• Division V (Needs Improvement) – A performance indicating significant opportunities for additional preparation and musical development.

Each rating recognizes an ensemble’s achievement while encouraging continued progress.

Growth Beyond the Rating

A Division Rating represents one performance on one day. It should not define an ensemble’s season or its overall success.

Directors and students are encouraged to review adjudicator comments, reflect on the clinic experience, and identify specific goals for future rehearsals and performances. The educational insights gained during the festival often have a greater long-term impact than the numerical score itself.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Jazz is an art form built on listening, collaboration, creativity, and continual refinement. The State Jazz Choir Festival reflects those same values by providing thoughtful evaluation that celebrates achievement while encouraging every ensemble to continue growing.

The ultimate purpose of feedback, scores, and ratings is not simply to measure performance—it is to inspire better musicianship, deepen students’ understanding of jazz, and foster a lifelong commitment to artistic excellence.

The IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival is an opportunity to perform, learn, and grow as a jazz musician. Every part of the day is designed to provide a positive educational experience that helps your ensemble continue developing its musical skills and understanding of jazz performance.

Before You Perform

Upon arrival, your director will check in the ensemble and receive any final event information. Students should remain with their director, follow the festival schedule, and be prepared to move efficiently between warm-up, performance, and clinic locations.

Be sure to bring:

• Your performance attire as directed by your school.
• Any required music, equipment, or accessories.
• A positive attitude and a readiness to perform.

Warm-Up

Each ensemble is assigned a warm-up period before performing. Use this time to:

• Focus your attention on the upcoming performance.
• Review difficult musical passages if directed by your conductor.
• Warm up your voice using healthy vocal techniques.
• Prepare mentally as an ensemble.

Festival personnel will help ensure your group moves to the performance area on schedule.

The Performance

Your ensemble will perform its prepared selections for experienced jazz educators serving as adjudicators.

During the performance, adjudicators evaluate many aspects of jazz musicianship, including:

• Tone quality and vocal technique
• Intonation
• Rhythm and groove
• Ensemble performance
• Jazz style and interpretation
• Improvisation and solos (when applicable)
• Programming
• Stage presence and microphone technique

The performance is your opportunity to share your preparation, musicianship, and artistic expression with an audience while demonstrating authentic jazz performance practices.

The Educational Clinic

Immediately following your performance, your ensemble will participate in a live clinic with one of the adjudicators.

This clinic is one of the most valuable parts of the festival experience. The clinician may:

• Reinforce musical strengths from your performance.
• Demonstrate improved stylistic interpretation.
• Offer suggestions for rhythm, articulation, balance, and blend.
• Work on vocal technique and jazz phrasing.
• Provide practical rehearsal ideas that can be applied immediately.

Students are encouraged to remain engaged, ask questions when appropriate, and actively participate in the clinic.

Professional Expectations

The State Jazz Choir Festival is a professional educational event. Students are expected to:

• Arrive prepared and on time.
• Treat adjudicators, clinicians, festival staff, and other ensembles with respect.
• Demonstrate outstanding concert etiquette both on and off stage.
• Remain attentive during the clinic.
• Support fellow ensemble members throughout the day.
• Represent your school and community with professionalism.

Enjoy the Experience

The State Jazz Choir Festival is about much more than a single performance. It is an opportunity to perform outstanding literature, receive instruction from experienced jazz educators, and grow alongside other talented student musicians from across Iowa.

Approach the day with confidence, an open mind, and a willingness to learn. Every performance and every clinic is an opportunity to become a stronger musician, a better ensemble member, and a more expressive jazz performer.

The IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival is designed to provide every ensemble with a high-quality educational performance experience. From arrival through the post-performance clinic, each step of the festival is carefully scheduled to maximize learning while maintaining an efficient event for all participating schools.

Arrival and Check-In

Upon arrival, your director will complete the ensemble check-in and receive any final festival instructions. Students should remain with their ensemble and follow the directions of festival staff throughout the day.

Be prepared to move promptly between warm-up, performance, and clinic locations according to the festival schedule.

Warm-Up

Each ensemble is assigned a designated warm-up period before its performance.

This time should be used to:

• Prepare vocally using healthy singing techniques.
• Review important musical and stylistic concepts.
• Establish focus and ensemble communication.
• Make final adjustments under the direction of your conductor.

Festival staff will assist your ensemble in moving to the performance venue at the appropriate time.

Performance

Each jazz choir performs its prepared program for a panel of experienced jazz educators.

During the performance, adjudicators evaluate the ensemble using IHSMA performance standards that emphasize:

• Tone quality and vocal technique
• Intonation
• Rhythm and groove
• Ensemble performance
• Jazz interpretation and style
• Improvisation and solos, when applicable
• Programming
• Stage presence and microphone technique

Students should perform with confidence, musical expression, stylistic authenticity, and professionalism while communicating effectively with both the audience and fellow performers.

Immediate Educational Clinic

Following the performance, the ensemble moves directly into an educational clinic led by one of the adjudicators.

Rather than simply discussing the performance, the clinician works directly with the ensemble by:

• Reinforcing musical strengths.
• Demonstrating stylistic concepts.
• Improving rhythm, phrasing, articulation, and ensemble communication.
• Offering rehearsal techniques that directors and students can immediately apply.

The clinic is an interactive learning experience and is considered one of the most valuable parts of the festival.

Following the Clinic

After the clinic concludes, the ensemble’s festival performance is complete. Directors receive adjudication materials and ratings according to festival procedures.

Many schools choose to remain and observe other ensembles. Watching other performances is an excellent opportunity to hear different programming, performance styles, and educational approaches while supporting fellow student musicians from across Iowa.

The Festival Experience

The performance itself is only one part of the State Jazz Choir Festival. The complete experience includes preparation, performance, immediate instruction, reflection, and continued musical growth.

Every step of the festival is designed to help students:

• Develop stronger jazz musicianship.
• Gain confidence as performers.
• Learn from experienced jazz educators.
• Experience authentic jazz ensemble performance.
• Grow as collaborative and expressive musicians.

The State Jazz Choir Festival celebrates educational excellence by combining performance with immediate feedback, ensuring that every ensemble leaves with practical ideas and renewed inspiration for future rehearsals and performances.

The IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival is an educational performance experience designed to help you grow as a jazz musician. Adjudicators are experienced jazz educators who evaluate your ensemble using standards that reflect the unique musical and stylistic expectations of vocal jazz. Their goal is not simply to assign a rating, but to provide meaningful feedback that will help your ensemble continue to improve.

Tone Quality and Vocal Technique

Adjudicators listen for healthy, well-supported singing with a tone that is appropriate for the style of each selection. They evaluate breath support, vocal production, consistency throughout the ensemble, and the ability to adjust tone color to match different jazz styles.

Intonation

Excellent jazz ensembles perform with accurate pitch while maintaining the flexibility required by the style. Adjudicators listen for consistent intonation throughout the ensemble and appropriate use of expressive devices such as vibrato and pitch inflection.

Rhythm and Groove

Rhythm is one of the defining characteristics of jazz performance. Adjudicators listen for:

• Consistent pulse and tempo.
• Strong internal sense of groove.
• Accurate rhythmic interpretation.
• Stylistically appropriate swing feel or straight-eighth interpretation.
• Effective rhythmic communication between singers, soloists, and the rhythm section.

Great jazz ensembles don’t simply count rhythms—they create an infectious sense of groove that drives the music forward.

Ensemble Performance

Successful jazz choirs perform as a unified ensemble. Adjudicators evaluate:

• Balance between voice parts.
• Blend when appropriate to the style.
• Precision of entrances and releases.
• Musical communication among ensemble members.
• Effective interaction with soloists and the rhythm section.

Every member contributes to the overall musical performance.

Jazz Interpretation and Style

Performing the correct notes and rhythms is only the beginning. Adjudicators also listen for authentic jazz style through:

• Musical phrasing.
• Stylistically appropriate articulation.
• Dynamic contrast.
• Expression and musical storytelling.
• Understanding of the character and intent of each piece.

The most successful performances demonstrate confidence, creativity, and a genuine understanding of the selected style.

Improvisation and Solos

When your performance includes improvised solos or featured vocalists, adjudicators listen for:

• Musical creativity.
• Stylistic authenticity.
• Strong melodic development.
• Awareness of the harmonic structure.
• Effective communication with the ensemble and rhythm section.

Improvisation is an opportunity to demonstrate musical individuality while remaining connected to the ensemble.

Programming

Adjudicators also consider the overall musical program. Strong programming includes:

• Variety in style, tempo, and musical character.
• Literature appropriate for the ensemble’s level of development.
• Authentic jazz repertoire that demonstrates stylistic diversity.

Well-planned programming allows an ensemble to showcase both its strengths and its musical versatility.

Stage Presence and Performance Communication

Jazz performance is both musical and communicative. Adjudicators observe how effectively your ensemble connects with the audience through:

• Professional stage presence.
• Appropriate microphone technique.
• Confident performance.
• Natural, stylistically appropriate movement.
• Clear communication of the musical intent of each selection.

Movement and visual elements should always enhance the music rather than distract from it.

More Than a Score

Adjudicators understand the time, dedication, and preparation required for every performance. Their primary purpose is to help you become a stronger musician. The comments you receive during the live clinic are often even more valuable than the numerical score or Division Rating, providing practical ideas that you and your director can use in future rehearsals.

The State Jazz Choir Festival celebrates growth, creativity, and authentic jazz performance. Every ensemble leaves the stage with new ideas, valuable feedback, and opportunities to continue developing as musicians.

Participation in the IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival is both an honor and a responsibility. Every student represents their school, director, community, and music program while participating in one of Iowa’s premier educational performance events. Professional behavior helps ensure a positive experience for all participating ensembles and reflects the values of collaboration, respect, and excellence that define music education.

Arrive Prepared

Come to the festival ready to perform.

Students should:

• Know their music thoroughly.
• Arrive on time and prepared for the day’s schedule.
• Wear the performance attire designated by their director.
• Bring any required music, microphones, folders, or other materials as instructed.
• Be physically and mentally ready to perform and participate in the educational clinic.

Preparation demonstrates respect for your fellow performers, your director, and the adjudicators.

Follow Your Director’s Leadership

Your director is responsible for your ensemble throughout the festival.

Students are expected to:

• Stay with their ensemble unless directed otherwise.
• Follow instructions promptly.
• Move efficiently between warm-up, performance, and clinic locations.
• Be ready when called to perform.

Demonstrate Professional Performance Etiquette

Whether on stage or backstage, maintain the same level of professionalism expected of outstanding musicians.

This includes:

• Remaining attentive and focused.
• Entering and exiting the stage efficiently and quietly.
• Maintaining appropriate posture and stage presence.
• Showing confidence while respecting fellow performers.
• Avoiding unnecessary conversation or distractions during performances.

Professionalism begins before the first note and continues until the performance and clinic are complete.

Respect the Educational Process

The post-performance clinic is an important part of the festival experience.

Students should:

• Listen attentively.
• Remain engaged throughout the clinic.
• Apply suggestions immediately when asked.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and improve.
• Receive feedback with a positive and open mindset.

Even outstanding performances benefit from thoughtful coaching and continued refinement.

Support Other Ensembles

The festival celebrates music-making across Iowa.

Students are encouraged to:

• Be respectful audience members when attending other performances.
• Applaud and encourage fellow musicians.
• Appreciate the diversity of musical styles and ensemble approaches.
• Recognize that every ensemble has invested significant time and effort preparing for the festival.

Supporting others strengthens the musical community and reflects the collaborative spirit of jazz.

Represent Your School with Integrity

Your behavior reflects not only on you but also on your school and community.

Students should:

• Treat adjudicators, clinicians, festival staff, volunteers, and fellow students with courtesy and respect.
• Follow all school and festival policies.
• Respect festival facilities and equipment.
• Use electronic devices only when appropriate and permitted by your director.
• Help create a welcoming and positive environment for everyone attending the festival.

Embrace the Spirit of Jazz

Jazz is built on listening, communication, creativity, and collaboration. The same qualities that make great jazz performances also define outstanding festival participants.

Be prepared to:

• Listen carefully to one another.
• Support your fellow performers.
• Perform with confidence and authenticity.
• Learn from experienced jazz educators.
• Celebrate both your own accomplishments and those of other ensembles.

Leave Better Than You Arrived

Success at the State Jazz Choir Festival is measured by more than a Division Rating. The most successful students leave having gained new musical insights, strengthened their performance skills, and grown as musicians and teammates.

Approach the festival with humility, professionalism, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. Those qualities will serve you well—not only in jazz choir, but in every musical and professional opportunity that follows.

The IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival is much more than a performance. It is an opportunity to grow as a musician, collaborate with your ensemble, and learn from experienced jazz educators in an environment dedicated to artistic excellence and continuous improvement.

Unlike many performance events, the festival combines evaluation with immediate instruction. Every ensemble performs for knowledgeable adjudicators and then participates in a live educational clinic, allowing students to apply new ideas while the performance is still fresh. This approach reflects IHSMA’s commitment to music education as a process of learning, growth, and lifelong musical development.

Develop Authentic Jazz Musicianship

Jazz is a unique musical art form that values creativity, communication, rhythmic precision, and personal expression. The festival encourages students to develop skills that extend beyond learning notes and rhythms, including:

• Performing with stylistic authenticity.
• Developing a strong sense of groove and rhythmic feel.
• Listening and responding as an ensemble.
• Communicating musically with fellow singers and the rhythm section.
• Expressing the character and emotion of every performance.

These skills prepare students to become more confident and expressive musicians in any musical setting.

Learn from Experienced Jazz Educators

One of the greatest benefits of the festival is the opportunity to work directly with accomplished jazz choir directors and educators.

Through performance and clinic experiences, students receive professional feedback that helps them:

• Refine vocal technique.
• Strengthen ensemble communication.
• Improve jazz style and interpretation.
• Develop stronger rehearsal habits.
• Gain a deeper understanding of vocal jazz performance.

The educational clinic transforms the festival from a performance event into a meaningful learning experience.

Grow as an Ensemble

Outstanding jazz performance depends on trust, listening, and collaboration.

Preparing for the festival helps ensembles:

• Build stronger musical relationships.
• Improve rehearsal discipline.
• Develop shared artistic goals.
• Strengthen communication and teamwork.
• Celebrate the accomplishments that come from working together toward excellence.

The process of preparing for the festival is often as valuable as the performance itself.

Build Skills Beyond Music

The experiences gained through jazz choir extend well beyond the rehearsal room.

Students develop valuable life skills, including:

• Leadership.
• Collaboration.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Discipline and responsibility.
• Confidence under pressure.
• Adaptability and communication.

These qualities benefit students in college, careers, and every aspect of life.

Experience Iowa’s Jazz Community

The State Jazz Choir Festival brings together outstanding student musicians and educators from across Iowa.

By participating, students become part of a statewide community that values:

• Musical excellence.
• Creativity.
• Respect for the traditions and future of jazz.
• Lifelong learning.
• Collaboration through music.

Sharing the festival experience with other schools broadens perspectives and inspires continued growth.

Celebrate the Journey

While Division Ratings recognize achievement, they are not the ultimate purpose of the festival. The true measure of success is how much an ensemble grows through preparation, performance, reflection, and continued learning.

Every rehearsal leading up to the festival, every performance on stage, and every suggestion offered during the clinic contributes to becoming a stronger ensemble and more complete musicians.

The IHSMA State Jazz Choir Festival celebrates dedication, artistry, and the joy of making music together. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself, learn from experts, perform with confidence, and experience the creativity, collaboration, and expression that make jazz one of the world’s most dynamic musical traditions.