University of the Pacific Jazz Festival
Feb. 27 – 28: I’m very excited to be one of the adjudicators at this year’s jazz festival at UOP. It’s always a joy to listen to and work with the bands from this part of California, and also to spend some time with amazing colleagues like Gary Pratt. Please make sure to say hello if we’re passing in the hallway!
San Joaquin Valley Jazz Festival Recap
Feb. 20 – 21: The 2026 SJVJF is in the books… what a great weekend! Guest artist Ethan Santos (local hero, Buchanan HS and Fresno City College alum) played a fantastic set at the closing concert, along with his 7-piece band from New Orleans. And I was honored to learn that so many schools played my music at the festival. Thank you to:
- University High School: “When You’re Smiling”
- Firebaugh High School: “Song Of Orpheus”
- Roosevelt School of the Arts: “Bad Dog!”
- Alta Sierra Intermediate: “Not Quite Summer”
- Clovis High School B: “Poinciana”
- Clovis West High School B: “Poinciana”
- Kastner Intermediate: “Not My Problem”
Special shout-out to Clovis High, directed by Evan Hamada, on your wonderful premiere performance of my new chart on Nature Boy. You can check out a sample of Nature Boy below.
All of these charts are available from your favorite retailer (except Nature Boy… maybe next year so please check them out if your interested. Great job, students, directors, adjudicators, and festival director Barb Shinaver!