Greetings Jazz Ensemble director,

 

I am excited to announce the 2025 Michigan Jazz Festival All-Star High School Jazz Band under the direction of Joshua James. The band will perform at the 30th anniversary Michigan Jazz Festival at Schoolcraft College (Livonia) on Sunday, July 20, 2025. In addition to having the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience of jazz enthusiasts at this prestigious festival, selected students will receive professional tutoring, will rehearse and perform with other talented high school musicians, and will bring back to your school skills and concepts learned in the process.

 

There will be two weekend rehearsals at Wayne State University and one on-site rehearsal on the day of the performance. The Festival will provide drums and keyboards. Music will be supplied ahead of time. 

 

Director Joshua James is head of the music department at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. A multi-instrumentalist, James leads the Bridge Project Big Band, the Nighthawks Jazz Orchestra, the Theatre Bizarre Orchestra and the Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club — in addition to his UDJ HS ensembles. An established composer and arranger, his works have been heard in film and television and have found their way into the libraries of high schools and universities.

 

The Michigan Jazz Festival features a full day of live jazz on seven simultaneous stages — a terrific opportunity for the all-star musicians to hear and connect with the best jazz musicians in our state.

 

Craig Strain

President,

Michigan Jazz Festival