Bob Mintzer

Win a Chance for
Your Jazz Ensemble
to Perform With the Legend

Submit a short essay and video of your pre-collegiate jazz ensemble performing a piece of jazz music for your group’s chance to have the legendary Bob Mintzer come to your school for a clinic and onstage performance with your band*.

Sign Up
Rehearsal #1
Hands-on Clinic and Onstage Performance with Your Jazz Ensemble
Rehearsal #2
Rehearsal #3 Rehearsal #5

Bob Mintzer is a saxophonist, arranger, and educator and holds the Barbara and Buzz McCoy endowed chair at the USC Thornton School of Music. He is a thirty-year member of the Yellowjackets and chief conductor of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany.

Bob has written over 500 big band arrangements, several jazz study books, orchestral and chamber works, and has received over fifteen Grammy nominations for his solo projects and work with the Yellowjackets.

Competition Details and Dates

To enter the competition, submit a short essay telling us about your ensemble's history and background, accompanied by a video of your group performing one piece of jazz music.

Only standard size, pre-collegiate school jazz ensembles (such as middle school or high school) are eligible for entry. Smaller groups such as combos, and professional groups, are excluded from entry. Only groups in the United States are eligible to participate.

We will accept essays and videos from groups learning virtually, as well as in-person.

Entries can be submitted up until March 15, 2022. A panel of Eastman Artist Judges will close judging in early May and the winner will be announced on social media.

Sign Up

Sign Up
to Get Started

After signing up, you will receive reminders for submission guidelines and competition deadlines.

By signing up, you agree to receive email communication from Eastman. We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Submissions Close
March 15, 2022

Qualifying videos and essays will be viewed and judged by a panel of Eastman Artists to determine the winning school ensemble, so be sure to start practicing and preparing your video today.

*local health regulations permitting

Rehearsal #4