This inaugural two-day invitational competition features ensembles from ten of the most well-regarded university jazz programs in the country. The event will include a combo showcase in The Appel Room and a final concert featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in Rose Theater. Named for Jack Rudin, founding supporter of our signature Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, this event will celebrate the excellence and achievements of the next generation of jazz musicians.

Combo Showcase 
Saturday, January 18, 2020
7:00pm
The Appel Room
Tickets: $55 tickets + all applicable fees

The Jack Rudin Jazz Championship will kick off with a Combo Showcase in the Appel Room and feature a combo performance by each participating school.

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Competition Parts I & II 
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Competition Part I: 10:00am-12:00pm
Competition Part II: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Rose Theater
Tickets: $50 + all applicable fees

*Please note one ticket applies to both parts of the competition.

This two-part competition will feature all ten participating ensembles. Each part will showcase five performing ensembles, each presenting three tunes each in front of Wynton Marsalis and a panel of esteemed judges, vying for a chance to perform in the evening concert and take home the grand prize.

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Final Concert and Awards Ceremony 
Sunday, January 19, 2020 
7:30pm 
Rose Theater
Tickets: $65 and $50 + all applicable fees

The final evening concert will feature the top three ensembles from the competition, a set by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and an awards ceremony.

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2020 Participating Universities:

California State University, Northridge (Northridge, CA)

University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO)

University of North Texas (Denton, TX)

Indiana University (Bloomington, IN)

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)

Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY)

North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC)

Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)

The Juilliard School (New York, NY)

The Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY)