Jazz music fills the chapel air at Elmhurst University’s 56th Annual Jazz Festival

Photo by — Mia Bernasol

In 1968, a history of long-standing tradition for Elmhurst University was born: the Jazz Festival.

When first presented to jazz enthusiasts worldwide, the festival produced winners from each region, who would then go on to perform at a national festival.

However, since 1973, the festival shifted from a competition-based format to an educational opportunity for everyone in attendance, after the national festival expired.

56 years later, education continues. From Feb. 23-26, Elmhurst University hosted various high schools, universities, and featured performers, ranging from the John Pizarelli Trio to Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. 

For this year’s festival, there were three guest artists and adjudicators: Tamir Hendelman, an award-winning jazz pianist, Dennis Mackrel, a drummer, composer, and arranger, and Terell Stafford, known as “one of the greatest players of our time.”

These three guest artists performed with the Elmhurst University Jazz Band at various performances during the festival, and some pieces included EU jazz singer, Valencia Smith. 

The Jazz Festival, directed by Chris Parsons, has students leading various sections to make sure that the festival runs as smoothly as possible during the performances. 

Photo by — Ryan Windle

This festival provides many opportunities for students, both those performing, and those offstage: and sometimes students can get a taste of both aspects.

One of those students, Zachary Stephenson, assists in stage help and the live stream, a new feature added on due to COVID-19. Stephenson also plays in the rhythm section for the jazz band. 

“[The festival] gives us a larger audience than normal throughout the year,” said Stephenson. “We’re able to play for friends, family, and anybody on campus.”

For behind-the-scenes work, students can work for the stage crew, sound, public relations, and more. Daisuke Kamiuchi, section head of the stage crew, is grateful for the opportunity that the festival provides. 

“It’s a great opportunity to hear great high-schoolers, great college bands, and of course meet the professionals and get to talk and play with them,” said Kamiuchi. “It’s probably one of the best opportunities at Elmhurst.”

While people enjoy the music in the audience, the players are appreciative of the learning experience that comes with each festival. 

“I think it’s nice that we can have other programs and schools come in and listen to each other and bounce ideas off [each other],” said Drew Wieser, who plays guitar in the rhythm section for the Big Band. “Plus, with the really cool guest artists, they can come in and share their knowledge, so it’s really cool.”

Photo by — Mia Bernasol