BLOOMINGTON, Ill. —- For 50 years, the Illinois Wesleyan Jazz Festival has fostered
music education for the local community. Hosted by the IWU School of Music, this year’s milestone event will take place from Feb. 21-22 in Presser Hall.
Youth performances begin at 9:40 a.m. Friday and 10:05 a.m. Saturday. The IWU Jazz
Ensemble will perform at 4:05 p.m. Saturday. A follow up performance will take place
at Jazz Upfront in downtown Bloomington from 8-11 p.m on Feb. 22. This performance
will feature the “Dr. Lewis Big Band” and the “Reginald Lewis Organ Quartet.”
Sponsored by The Music Shoppe and Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, jazz education will be celebrated through performances, clinics and a concert from the IWU Jazz Ensemble. The festival is free and open to the public.
IWU Director of Jazz Reginald Lewis says jazz instruction helps young musicians develop essential skills such as improvisation, ensemble playing and jazz theory.
“Jazz is an African-American art form with a rich history,” he said. “Sharing jazz education ensures that this heritage is passed on to future generations.”
The festival will feature ensemble performances from high school and middle school musicians in a non-competitive atmosphere. Guest adjudicators Kirby Fellis, Nickolas Kaplan, Kurt Reeder and James Mauck will present a 45-minute jazz performance at 3:15 p.m. Friday and 4:40 p.m. Saturday. Each performing group will also receive a 20-minute private clinic to polish their musicianship.
“From its beginnings, the Illinois Wesleyan School of Music has played a major role in the cultural life of Bloomington-Normal, partnering with neighboring academic, civic and religious organizations to foster the art of music in our community,” Lewis said.
IWU’s jazz legacy began when Emeritus Professor of Music Tom Streeter founded the jazz program in the 1970s. It was later led by former Director of Jazz Glenn Wilson before Lewis took over in 2022.
The Collegiate Choir and the Wesleyan Symphony Orchestra are two musical ambassadors to have originated from Presser Hall. Illinois Wesleyan was involved with the creation of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts in 2006 and continues to stay committed to the arts and education in Central Illinois.
“Sharing jazz education can bring joy, inspiration, and a sense of community to young people,” Lewis said. “By actively engaging with the local community and sharing its expertise, IWU’s jazz program plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians.”
Lewis said IWU jazz students go on to become role models and mentors for young musicians considering studying music, creating “a community where individuals can learn from each other.”
“Learning jazz requires dedication and discipline,” Lewis said. “These qualities can help young people develop confidence and a strong work ethic. Music has a profound impact on people’s lives, and jazz is no exception.”
The Titan jazz scene clearly made an impact on Colby Powers '24. He participated in the festival as an IWU student and will return this year as assistant director of jazz at George Evans Junior High School, bringing his own students to experience the event.
Powers said Lewis has improved the festival by bringing in new guest singers and performers, proving to young musicians that a love for music can continue long after junior high band ensembles.
“Giving students another opportunity to find their voice in music, and specifically jazz, gives students from all backgrounds the ability to show who they really are and be themselves,” said Powers.
While the event’s main focus is on youth music instruction, Powers said anyone can attend and enjoy the festival performances.
“The jazz community is one that is kind, caring and open for all people — listeners, players, educators or just those who appreciate jazz,” he said. “No matter who you are, the jazz community will support you.”