Honors Jazz/Commercial Music Ensembles Festival
Towson University's Jazz/Commercial Music Program is thrilled to present a unique and inspiring opportunity for talented high school musicians in grades 10-12.
The TU Honors Jazz/Commercial (JC) Music Ensembles Festival, held in partnership with the Murray Jazz Residency (MJR), offers selected students the chance to work with the TU JC faculty, the MJR visiting artist, and current TU music students in a full day of masterclasses, ensemble rehearsals, and a culminating concert at the Towson University Center for the Arts.
Festival Dates
The festival is offered twice per year, in the fall and spring semesters, in conjunction with the Murray Jazz Residency.
Important Dates
- Next Festival Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
- Featuring MJR Guest Artist: Drew Gress (bassist)
- Nominations open: October 13, 2025
- Nominations close: January 16, 2026
- Selected students notified: February 13, 2026
Who Can Apply?
Students from across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region may be nominated in two ways:
- by a high school band director (up to 4 students)
- self-nomination for students without access to a band program
Students interested in jazz and commercial music are strongly encouraged to apply!
Selection and Audition Process
- Selection is based on the nomination form and instrumentation needs.
- Selected students will be notified via email by February 13, 2026.
- All participants must submit a video audition (used only for ensemble placement).
- Maximum of 40 students per event.
- Priority is given to:
- 12th graders
- 11th graders
- 10th graders
- Students not accepted will receive priority for future festivals.
- Nominations open October 13, 2025
- Nominations close January 16, 2026
Festival Highlights
Participants will work with:
- TU jazz/commercial music faculty
- the MJR guest artist
- current TU jazz/commercial students
They will take part in:
- instrument-specific masterclasses
- small and large ensemble rehearsals
- a final concert performance
Ensembles may include:
- jazz orchestra
- combos
- commercial music ensembles (based on instrumentation)
Festival Schedule
Festival Day Schedule (Subject to Change)
- 8 a.m. — Check-in
- 8:15 a.m. — Welcome session (Recital Hall)
- 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. — Instrument masterclasses
- Brass: Dave Ballou
- Saxophones: Jason Rigby
- Rhythm section: John Lee
- 9:40 - 11:30 a.m. — Rehearsals
- 11:30 - 12:50 p.m. — Lunch (Glen Dining Hall)
- 1 - 2 p.m. — TU faculty masterclass
- 2:10 - 3:30 p.m. — Rehearsals
- 3:40 - 5 p.m. — MJR artist masterclass
- 5 - 6:30 pm — Dinner / change into concert attire
- Dinner is not provided. A list of local restaurant/ takeout options will be shared.
- 8 p.m. — Final concert (Recital Hall)
Participation Fee
The participation fee is $38 and includes:
- festival t-shirt
- on-campus lunch (hosted by TU Jazz/Commercial students)
- two complimentary tickets to the evening concert
Additional concert tickets may be purchased through the TU Box Office. Band directors and parents are welcome to attend all festival activities and the concert at no cost. Registration is required using the same form as the student participants.
Who Will You Work With?
Faculty and Directors
Dave Ballou
TU jazz / commercial music trumpet professor and jazz orchestra director.
Jason Rigby
TU jazz / commercial music saxophone professor.
John Lee
TU jazz / commercial music professor.
Guest Artist
Drew Gress
Bassist, composer and TU alumnus (MJR guest artist - April 2026).
About the Murray Jazz Residency
Founded in 2008, the Murray Jazz Residency brings internationally acclaimed jazz and improvisation artists to Towson University for a full week of engagement with the Department of Music.
These artists serve as living examples of how one can carve out a meaningful and sustainable path in creative music today. Through masterclasses, rehearsals, and performances, they inspire students to pursue their own artistic voice with dedication and vision.
Alumni at the Core
Notably, TU alumnus Drew Gress and Ellery Eskelin have served as recurring guest artists, offering students direct connections to Towson's legacy of excellence in jazz and improvised music.
The MJR is made possible by the generosity of Bill Murray, Vira J. Denney, and the Murray Family.
Consider joining the Murray family by donating to the Murray Jazz Residency Fund.