JAM: October/November 2002 Issue: A Judge's Guide to Jazz Festival Violations

A Judge's Guide to
JAZZ FESTIVAL VIOLATIONS

Part of being a jazz educator is getting the occasional call to judge at a school jazz band festival. It is important work in that it allows the voices of experience to impart needed constructive criticism, guidance and encouragement to the next generation of jazz musicians.

These festivals can also be highly competitive. And sometimes even the slightest violation can decide the difference between the cheers that accompany a shiny first place trophy and the stunned silence that comes with finishing second.

Here are some of the most common infractions that an adjudicator must be able to identify before assessing the proper penalties. Special thanks to those contributors who wished to remain anonymous and also available for employment at your next jazz band festival.

Half of allotted time on stage used to tune up.		Excessive dancing by band director.
Skirts too short in saxophone section.		Brass section is playing into music stands.
Soloist's tone quality is too piercing.		Scat singing needs some work.
Open Throttle Penalty (rushing the tempo).		"Throwing Out the Anchor" (slowing down the temp)
Warning! Digruntled band director wants to punch judge!		Still programming "Groovin' Hard" in 2002.
Group swings like a marching band.		Stems in Harmon mutes.
More than 10 saxophonists and/or percussionists.		Band director snaps fingers on "one" and "three."
Truck-sized space between band and rhythm section.		Still programming "Spain" in 2002.
Too loud (on "Lil' Darlin'").		Too soft (on "Groovin' Hard").
Music too difficult for high school band.		Maynard Violation (parts too high for young trumpeters)