March 27-28, 2026
Established in 1993, the Collin Jazz Fest features performances by middle school and
high school jazz bands from across the region, as well as evening concerts featuring
Collin College jazz students and faculty. Each participating ensemble will receive
an on-stage clinic with one of our adjudicators immediately following their performance.
Our festival is designed as an educational festival, so while we do not give 1st-2nd-3rd
place trophies or UIL-style ratings, we do recognize outstanding bands with plaques
and outstanding performer certificates will be awarded to deserving students. Each
year, a special featured guest artist is invited to perform and teach at the festival.
This year's festival guest is Stefon Harris.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, March 27
Opening Concert featuring guest artist Stefon Harris with Collin Jazz Faculty and
Jazz Combo PM, 7 p.m., John Anthony Theatre
Saturday, March 28
Participating school ensemble performances and clinics, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., John Anthony
Theatre and other campus venues
Guest artist masterclass, 1 p.m., John Anthony Theatre
Awards Concert featuring guest artist with Collin Jazz Lab Band and Jazztet, 7 p.m.,
John Anthony Theatre
Note: Evening concerts are FREE to attend.
REGISTRATION POLICIES
Registration fee is $250 per band.
Registration is complete after completed form and payment have both been received.
Cancellations prior to March 8, 2026 will
receive a full refund.
After March 8, no further registration refunds will be made.
Please note that, due to ongoing construction at the Plano Campus, we do not have
access to our usual third stage, the Living Legends Conference Center, which is housing
other college departments whose facilities are still being renovated. Therefore, our
initial maximum number of bands accepted will be 20 — ten per stage for our two currently
available stages. We will maintain a waiting list of bands after that, in the order
that applications are received. (Possible options for a third stage include our Atrium
[pending completion of construction] or a Friday afternoon option.)
Please contact Jazz Festival director Kevin McNerney for further information.