Temple College will welcome hundreds of jazz musicians and jazz enthusiasts to its three-day signature music event – the 31st Temple College Jazz Festival – Thursday through Saturday, March 30-April 1. The event is open to the public.
Nearly a thousand students representing more than 40 high school and middle school jazz bands from throughout the state are scheduled to play 30-minute sets during the festival. The festival also will feature noon-hour clinics and nighttime performances by renowned guest musicians Ted Nash (saxophone) and Stefon Harris (vibraphone/marimba).
“It’s been our privilege for more than 30 years to shine a spotlight on Temple, Belton and all of the communities throughout Central Texas, where jazz thrives,” said Sara Baker, Temple College’s Fine Arts Division Director. “Each year, we have the great opportunity to provide a forum for hundreds of high school and middle school jazz students to showcase their talents.”
Dr. Benjamin Irom, Temple College professor of music and director of jazz studies, said it’s a joy to bring top-tier artists to the Temple College stage to work with students and to perform for the community.
“Ted Nash and Stefon Harris are amazing musicians, and it’s exciting to have these talented artists with us for the weekend. They’ll speak with students during their respective clinics and then they’ll perform with some of the best musicians in our region and the state,” Irom said. “It’s our pleasure to bring such high-caliber performances to our community, and we hope to see the Performance Arts Center packed each night.”
Nash will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday with the Temple College Jazz Ensemble and TC Faculty Jazz. He will host a clinic at noon on Friday. Harris will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday with the Temple Jazz Orchestra. He will host a clinic at noon on Saturday.
School performances will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
An all-star jam session is scheduled from 9:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 31 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
All stage performances will be held at Temple College’s Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center, 2600 S. First St. Student performances will be streamed live on YouTube. Tickets are $5 for students and $20 for adults. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Temple College Fine Arts Office. Tickets will also be available at the door. Call (254) 298-8555 for more information.
ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE
Temple College is “Your Community’s College, a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of students throughout Central Texas and beyond with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree, or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.
Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed an excellent academic reputation for 97 years. It is nationally recognized for excellence in its programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for health care providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.