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
Registration is open Oct. 14, 2026-Jan. 19, 2027.
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.
Registration fee for vocal or instrumental entries:
- Solo: $75 per entry
- Combo: $180 per entry
- Large Ensemble: $325 per entry
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 March 31
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
Refer to the student performance schedule for important times and locations. Please note that the warmup period occurs prior to the performance time listed in the schedule.
Helpful resources
Competition Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival student competition!