The 16th annual Shazz Festival, a daylong celebration of music, mentorship and performance, will take place March 14 at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B, Shawano.
This year’s festival highlights the contributions of women in jazz, featuring three renowned members of the Diva Jazz Orchestra: Sherrie Maricle, Leigh Pilzer and Jen Krupa.
High school and middle school jazz bands from across Wisconsin and Michigan will gather to perform, learn and compete in an environment designed to inspire musical excellence and collaboration. Throughout the day, student ensembles will participate in sectionals and receive instrument-specific instruction from experienced clinicians.
Each band will perform for adjudicators between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., receiving feedback and guidance before competing for awards by category. In addition, the festival offers a master class led by the guest artists, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students, directors and community members alike.
Student performances and the master class are free.
The celebration culminates in the finale concert at 4:30 p.m. The performance will feature Maricle, Pilzer and Krupa alongside the festival’s own All-Star Band. The concert also includes the festival’s awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding student musicians and ensembles from throughout the day.
Shazz serves not only as a celebration of artistry, but as a platform for growth, collaboration and lifelong learning, according to a press release.
Finale tickets are available for $15 at https://shawanotheater.ludus.com or at the door.
