Hosting over 100 jazz bands and combos representing 60 schools from five states, the 31st annual Jazz in the Meadows is the largest high school jazz event in the Midwest. It will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Rolling Meadows High School.

Jazz in the Meadows is an all-day educational event where students across the Midwest get the chance to showcase their musical abilities and listen to music from professionals and fellow students. The event is a great opportunity for musicians, amateur and experienced, to collaborate and learn from one another.

“It gives the high schoolers experience on competitive situations, which is a valuable trait,” senior Wesley Carroll said. “It also gives us the opportunity to hear fantastic musicians, make new friends and grow as players and people.”

Local jazz lovers shouldn’t feel left out of this musical occasion. This event is open to the public and runs through the day into the evening. Students can purchase an all- access ticket to all of the performances and concerts for $10. A ticket solely for the grand concert can be purchased for $7.

Jazz in the Meadows would not be possible without the Music Boosters, who undertake many jobs to keep the event organized.

“The parents in the Music Boosters provide a lot of the organization for the day,” Band Director Chris Buti said. “We have chairpersons that help with the overall planning, as well as things like concessions, advertisement, volunteers, publicity, security, etc.”

The event will begin at 8 a.m. with performances every 30 minutes at different locations within the school. These presentations are for the competitive portion of the event. Bands will compete with other high schools relative to their size. Other opportunities to compete are available for

junior high schools, high school combos and secondary bands. Following their production, performing groups receive immediate feedback by a trio of jazz professionals.

Throughout the day students can participate in jam sessions. These sessions give the young musicians the chance to gather and read jazz charts together to compose and improvise music. The jam sessions are often “a highlight of the day for many students,” according to Buti.

A concert at noon will provide a break in the competitions. This year a quartet of trombonists from New York, Big Bad Bones, will take the stage.

The day will conclude at 5 p.m. with a grand finale concert performed by the highest scoring bands. Accompanying them will be the New Standard Jazz Orchestra, also knows as Chicago’s All-Star Big Band. This group of Chicago’s most accomplished artists, writers and arrangers was amassed by bandleaders, Andy Baker and Ken Partyka.