Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival - 2024
The 44th Annual UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival will take place on Thursday and Friday March 14th and 15th, 2024.
View the 2024 Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival Concert Program here!
See the Thursday and Friday festival schedules! *Schedules subject to change - please call with questions.
Dear Participant,
We are delighted you have selected to participate in the UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival 2024.
The University of Montana College of Arts and Media, in conjunction with the School of Music, is proud to announce the 2024 edition of the UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival which will occur on March 14-15, 2024. The emphasis of this instrumental jazz festival is on education, improvisation, and the jazz language.
The 2024 Festival Artists will include the talents of Mark Taylor (saxophone), Zach Paris (drum set), Dawn Clement (piano), Molly Redfield (bass), and Vern Sielert (trumpet).
On both evenings, experience a spectacular musical event with the High School Best Section Big Band and outstanding soloists from the daytime events along with more musical artistry.
The fun and learning continue throughout each day with clinics, ensemble critiques, workshops, open rehearsals, and master classes with guest artists, local musicians, and faculty from the University of Montana.
The UM Buddy DeFranco Festival promises to be an exciting opportunity to learn more about the language of jazz and a great weekend of music and jazz education.
FEATURED 2024 ARTISTS/CLINICIANS!
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Mark Taylor – saxophone
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Vern Seilert – trumpet
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Dawn Clement – piano
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Molly Redfield – bass
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Zach Paris – drum set
And much, much more!
Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival 2024 Awards
Congratulations to all of the musicians & directors for an outstanding two days!
Thursday March 14, 2024:
BEST SECTIONS
Saxophone Section - Hellgate High School, Jesse Dochnahl
Fred Nelson Trumpet Section - Ridgeline High School, Eric Parker
Larry Gookin Trombone Section - Ridgeline High School, Eric Parker
Rhythm Section - Hellgate High School, Jesse Dochnahl
OUTSTANDING SOLOISTS
Buddy DeFranco Award - Gus Hickey, Alto Sax; Hellgate High School, Jesse Dochnahl
Jodi Marshall Award - Noah Rosulek, Guitar; Hellgate High School, Jesse Dochnahl
Outstanding Soloist - Noah Morss, Bass; Hellgate High School, Jesse Dochnahl
FESTIVAL RECOGNIZED MUSICIANS
Alexis Hahberg, Flugelhorn; Ridgeline High School, Eric Parker
Dom Gingerelli, Trumpet; Hellgate High School, Jesse Dochnahl
Jacob Perry, Tenor Sax; Ridgeline High School, Eric Parker
Matt Fields, Trumpet; East Helena High School, Cole Bass
Friday March 15, 2024:
BEST SECTIONS
Brooke and Chuck Florence Saxophone Section - Mt. Spokane High School I, Sy Hovik
Trumpet Section - Mead High School I, Rob Lewis
Lance Boyd Trombone Section - Mead High School I, Rob Lewis
Rhythm Section - Mt. Spokane High School I, Sy Hovik
OUTSTANDING SOLOISTS
Earl Morgenroth Award- Elliot Cleary, Drum Set; Helena High School, Cody Hollow
Don & Pat Simmons Award - Jesiah Lee, Tenor Saxophone; Mt. Spokane High School, Sy Hovik
Outstanding Soloist - Jace Samaha, Tenor Sax; Mead High School, Rob Lewis
Outstanding Soloist - Valin Gabriel, Piano; Mead High School, Rob Lewis
FESTIVAL RECOGNIZED MUSICIANS
Jackson Bautista, Trumpet; Great Falls High School, Lisa Sundquist
Emma Wendt, Alto Saxophone; Columbia Falls High School, Josh Forke
Jack Poole, Alto Saxophone; Mead High School II, Brian Comstock
Abbey Biel, Tenor Saxophone; Columbia Falls High School, Josh Forke
Rafe Rusche, Bass; Columbia Falls High School, Josh Forke
Zoe Jacobson, Trombone; Flathead High School, Dave Johnke
Teghan Bright, Alto Saxophone; Mead High School, Rob Lewis
Andrew Cessaratto, Tenor Saxophone; Chase Middle School, Brendan Cessaratto
Ashley Connor, Bass; Mead High School, Rob Lewis
Connor Jansen, Trumpet; Mt. Spokane High School, Sy Hovik
Kathryn Selby, Drum Set; Mead High School, Rob Lewis
Sawyer Peterson, Trombone; Mt. Spokane High School, Sy Hovik
Collin Capeller, Tenor Saxophone; Mead High School, Rob Lewis
Avery Mitchell, Drum Set; Cheney High School, Josh Wisswell
2024 Festival Schedule Information
Seating Chart & Solo Sheet
Please fill out the Seating Chart and the Soloist Sheet for our clinicians and festival coordinators.
Thank you for taking the time to be a part of our festival. We are all very excited about this event. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me using the contact information below.
Looking forward,
Rob Tapper
UM Director of Jazz Studies
509-280-2284
robert.tapper@umontana.edu
TICKETS:
Ensemble registration fee entitles participants to attend the evening concerts for free.
For individual ticket purchases, please visit the Griztix website!
SCHEDULES:
View the Thursday and Friday festival day-time schedules! *Schedules subject to change - please call with questions.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
$350 – Big Band Registration
$150 – Small Group Registration
MAPS:
Check out the campus map and dining map!
BEST SECTION AND OUTSTANDING SOLOIST INFORMATION:
Best Section/Soloist information here.
DATES AND DEADLINES:
Registration: The deadline for in-person participation is February 15, 2024.
HOTELS:
PLEASE BOOK YOUR ROOMS NOW AT THE OFFICIAL HOTEL OF THE UM BUDDY DEFRANCO JAZZ FESTIVAL. *Please ask for the Jazz Festival rate when calling.
Comfort Inn University
1021 E Broadway Street
Missoula, Montana 59802
406.549.7600