.png)
DCJazzPrix™ Application
DCJazzPrix™ International Band Competition:
APPLICATIONS OPEN DECEMBER 6, 2023
DCJazzPrix is an annual international band competition that provides a unique professional and adjudication platform for emerging bands outside of the traditional academic and commercial arenas. Unlike other performance-based contests, DCJazzPrix puts the emphasis on the essential interactions between band members and recognizes these relationships as the core pursuit of the jazz aesthetic. Young and emerging jazz bands from around the world are encouraged to apply for what aspires to be a premier global platform for jazz bands seeking new audiences and exciting career navigation opportunities.
All DCJazzPrix applicants will have their music heard by a prestigious jury of jazz luminaries. Up to three finalist bands will be selected to travel to Washington, DC during the annual DC JazzFest to compete at the DCJazzPrix Finals before an enthusiastic crowd of jazz fans. The winning band will begin a yearlong association with the DC Jazz Festival to include: a $15,000 grand prize, customized business development and career impact services, extensive publicity training, and a highly visible 2024 DC JazzFest engagement with commensurate compensation.
​
The application closes on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility
-
Repertoire: Open
-
Age: band members must be at least 18 years old, but not older than 45, as of April 1, 2024
-
Band Size: 2-9 instrumental or vocal members
-
Reach: International applicants accepted
-
Bands may combine any instrumentation including conventional jazz strings and winds formats and/or percussion, voice, and technology
-
Band stability is stressed: Band personnel of the band may not change once the application is submitted
-
Band must be a formed and functioning ensemble for at least three years prior to time of application; groups may not be established with the purpose of competing in the DCJazzPrix
-
Applicant bands may be affiliated or housed within music school departments, or be categorized as "stand-alone/self-contained" and/or professionally emerging ensembles
-
Each member is required to compete in Washington, DC. Finalists are responsible for travel to Washington, DC. Each band will receive a travel stipend of $500.00 (maximum). Hotel rooms will be provided by DC Jazz Festival.
Work Sample Audio/Video Requirements
-
Accepted streaming platforms (ONLY): YouTube, SoundCloud, BandCamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, or Audiomack. Usage of incorrect formats will automatically disqualify an application.
-
Include only one work sample per link (unless requested otherwise); and list with each the composition’s title, composer’s name, arranger’s name, band members' names, track length, and date of recording.
-
In all, submit no more than thirty minutes of total music.
-
Eligible samples must represent performances between September 1, 2019 and December 31, 2022 and must reflect the applicant band in its current personnel incarnation.
-
The jury must be able to evaluate all members of the group. Therefore, it is recommended that files provide evidence of the collective ensemble, as well as each member’s performance throughout all samples.
-
Extensive editing can detract from juror viewing, and is strongly discouraged.
Review Criteria
A prestigious jury will evaluate applications according to the following criteria:
​
Artistic Excellence:
-
As demonstrated by the work samples submitted, and
-
The band’s vision statement and demonstrated record of emerging professional achievement as a band
​
Artistic Merit:
-
The perceived significance of the band’s participation in DCJazzPrix as it relates to the band’s professional experience level and trajectory, and
-
The value of a year-long association with DC JazzFest as a significant catalyst for the band to: sustain its membership, apply itself to business acumen support, and create additional performance and career opportunities
​
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. There is a $25 fee per band entry.