Chicagoland
JAZZ WORKSHOP
4th Annual Chicagoland Jazz Workshop
Please join us at Buffalo Grove High School for the 4th annual “Chicagoland Jazz Workshop” (CJW) that will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This event is open to both middle and high school jazz bands.
The purpose of this festival is to allow students and their bands to perform in front of top jazz adjudicators and get their immediate feedback on tone quality, intonation, balance/blend, rhythmic feel, interpretation, dynamics, rhythm section feel, programming/presentation, and improvisation. After the performance, the band will receive a clinic on stage from the adjudicators. Following the on-stage clinic, ensembles performing in the theatre will move to a clinic room for an additional 40-minute clinic.
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The 2026 CJW will offer multiple performance spaces. More details coming soon.
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We encourage all family members, friends, and the community to attend and support these great bands as they perform amazing music. Please be sure to stop by this page frequently, as it will be updated with more information as the event approaches.
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We're proud to announce the 2026 CJW Featured Performing Ensemble, The Clif Wallace Big Band
2026 Festival Details
Pre-Workshop Opportunities
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Become a sponsor
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2026 Clinicians:
Chris Madsen
Scott Burns
Lara Driscoll
Thomas Matta
And more to come...
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2026 Participating Schools:
Antioch Upper Grade School, Bayside Middle School, Buffalo Grove High School, Cooper Middle School, Elk Grove High School, Emerson Middle School, Fremd High School, Grayslake Middle School, Holmes Middle School, James Hart Gold Jazz Band, Libertyville High School, Lincoln Jr. High, Lincoln Middle School, London Middle School, MacArthur Middle School, Maine South High School, Matthews Middle School, Northbrook Jr. High, Prospect High School, River Trails Middle School, Schaumburg High School, South Middle School, Thomas Middle School, Warren Township High School, Wauconda Middle School, Wheeling High School