Registration for 2026 Student Session is Now Open
Click here to learn more and register your band for the 2026 Eau Claire Jazz Festival
Jazz students have been learning and growing at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival
for decades. This year is even more dynamic than ever before. We’ve paired
an impressive roster of adjudicators along with some of the most inspiring
jazz icons to create an exceptional experience for your schools.
Adjudicators
We are proud to bring in nationally-known educators to adjudicate every band, regardless of division or competition status. Our adjudicators range from university directors to performers at the top of their field. Adjudicators for the 2026 festival will be announced in early 2026
Meet our 2025 Adjudicators
 Matt Harris |  Kellin Hanas |  Matt Mealey |
|---|---|---|
 Rich MacDonald |  Elaine Burt |  Dr. Phillip Ostrander |
 Jeremy Boettcher |  Dr. Pete Madsen |  Dr. Kevin Kjos |
 Aaron Hedenstrom |  Dr. Jeff Crowell |  Jake Kobberdahl |
 John Greene |  Adam Bever |
Honor Bands
Competitive big bands and combos are eligible to be designated as an honor band. All groups receiving the honor band title will perform on the Saturday night headliner concert!
Excellence in Jazz Education Award
All schools will have a chance to win free instruments courtesy of Schmitt Music! To enter to win, registered schools will need to fill out an application prior to the festival (will be emailed to all bands in early April). Winning schools will be announced at the awards ceremony at 4:30pm on Friday and Saturday!