WELCOME

We are pleased to announce that the 42nd Drury Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2008, in Clara Thompson Hall and the Findlay Student Center. The Drury Jazz Festival is a competitive event that allows students and directors to perform for and receive comments from some of the best jazz musicians and educators in the country. Bands are scheduled for a 25 minute performance slot, and competition will take place in the following divisions: Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Second Band, Jr. High, Combo, and Springfield Middle School. Due to a ruling of the MSHSAA, Springfield Middle School bands are prohibited from competing with other junior or middle high schools. Band directors may also choose to perform for comments only.

First, second and third places will be awarded in each of the competitive classes and an outstanding solo award will be given in all classes. Players in all classes are also eligible for IAJE Outstanding Musicianship Certificates.

Vocalist Kathy Kosins will be the guest artist for the final concert of this year’s festival. Critically acclaimed voice, eclectic musical palette, recipient of the 2001 Michigan council of the Arts/Artserve Michigan Jazz Composers Award, Six time ASCAP Award winning songwriter, and Jazz educator, define Kathy Kosins the jazz artist.  As a lead vocalist she recorded for both Cararre (Sony) and Quality Records then toured with Was/Not Was. Stints with the JC Heard and Nelson Riddle Orchestras followed and led to a 1996 release of "All In A Dreams Work" (Schoolkids Records), an impressive debut featuring a first rate collection of nine originals and a cover of Miles' Four. Her 2002 release of "Mood Swings" (Chiaroscuro Records), continues to bring her recognition and success at the national level. On "Vintage" (Mahogany Jazz), she rediscovers little known songbook gems which she places alongside a few widely known, yet unexpected tunes from outside the jazz tradition.

Ms. Kosins will perform on the evening concert with the Drury Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Combo I. The presentation of soloist awards and winning bands in each class will take place at this concert which begins at 7pm. Tickets for participating groups are available at a reduced rate.

The deadline for entries is Friday, February 15, 2008. Additional information will be sent to you once we receive your registration form. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions.

Tina Claussen 
Director of Jazz Studies
cclaussen@drury.edu 
417-873-4078
417-873-7898-fax