Competitive student performances
Compete at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival brings jazz masters together with elementary, junior high, high school and college students each year to share and celebrate a truly American art form.
Join us each spring for the annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival by registering your students for an adjudicated performance slot and clinic.
Read about the details in our rules and regulations.
Register your entries by Jan. 19
Registration for LHJF 2026 has closed. For late registration procedures, inquire to jazzinfo@uidaho.edu.
Registration fees include participation in daytime LHJF competitions. Settle your registration invoice to receive a promo code for discounted concert tickets, which are sold separately.
Solos: $75
Combos: $180
Large ensembles (10+ performers): $300
Submit activity waivers by March 1
We take safety seriously. An activity waiver is required for every student participating in the Lionel
Hampton Jazz Festival. These online forms include a code of conduct and emergency contact
information and must be submitted by a parent or guardian.
Look for the link in the auto-response following registration and in our “Dear Directors” e-newsletters.
Reserve instruments by Apr. 8
Follow the instructions in the Rules and Regulations to reserve congas or vibraphones for your
performance.
Prepare performance information forms
A performance information form is required for every entry. Blank forms will be provided at director check-in or bring a completed copy using our fillable online form.
Student performance schedule
The student performance schedule will be available for comment in early March. Keep an eye out for more information in our “Dear Directors” e-newsletter series.
Helpful resources
Competition Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival student competition!