The KU Jazz Festival is educational and primarily non-competitive in nature; however, each group has the option of receiving a confidential rating, which is disclosed only via the adjudication sheets. All groups will receive taped and/or written comments from each clinician present during the performance.

Festival Clinicians will select one Outstanding Ensemble from each of the following classifications:  College; High School; Middle School.  The Outstanding High School Ensemble will be invited to perform on the Friday evening concert, and the Outstanding College Ensemble will be invited to perform on the Saturday evening concert.  Revolving trophies (to be returned after one year) will presented to the Outstanding Ensembles in all three classifications.  The selection of the Outstanding Ensembles is made at the sole discretion of the Festival Clinicians, and is not at any time based on any scoring system.

Big bands will work with one of the clinicians in a clinic room immediately following their performance. Combos will perform and then receive an on-stage clinic by one of the clinicians with whatever time is remaining in the allotted time on stage (45 minutes).

Performances will occur in Swarthout Recital Hall and large rehearsal rooms in Murphy Hall. Accomplished educators/performers will conduct clinics and master classes over the two days.  All daytime performances, clinics and master classes are free and open to the public.