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University Daily Kansan Wednesday, April 22,1964
JAZZ FESTIVAL?
What's a collegiate jazz festival? And what is planned for the Oread Jazz Festival on April 25th here at KU? A jazz festival is a gathering of collegiate jazz groups brought together to compete for awards and prizes. The idea of a collegiate jazz festival achieved a high degree of popularity and acceptance at the University of Notre Dame and has spread to a number of Eastern schools, such as Villanova and Georgetown University.
The Oread Jazz Festival is the first major festival in the Midwest. Because of its central location, KU's festival has assumed national proportions not found in any previous festival. Twelve excellent collegiate groups will be here on April 25th. These musicians come from California, Texas Colorado, Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois to compete for awards never before offered in collegiate competition.
1. Assistance in transportation to Europe and engagements while on tour is being offered by People-to-People of Kansas City.
2. Instruments are to be given to the best musicians in reed, brass and rhythm.
3. Three scholarships to the Berklee School of Music in Boston.
4. Two scholarships to the National Stage Band Camps.
5. Engagements for the best big band and the best small group at the Kansas City Jazz Marathon, each group will be paid $150.00 and $75.00 respectively.
6. Set of band fronts from the Selmer Co.
7. Subscriptions to "Downbeat" magazine and record albums.
Last, but far from least, the OJF boasts an unequalled judging panel. In addition to acting as a judge, Woody Herman will give a concert in Hoch the nite of the festival. The other judges include: Martin Williams, the critic and reviewer for "Downbeat," "Saturday Review," and several other national magazines; Robert Share, director of Berklee School of Music in Boston; Creed Taylor, with Verve Records, acting as a talent scout; George Salisbury of the Kansas City Conservatory of Music; and Matt Betton, former administrator of the Stan Kenton Summer Music Camps.
In summary, the members of the Oread Jazz Festival Steering Committee feel that this is the finest collegiate jazz festival anywhere. We are prejudiced no doubt, but we feel that this is not only a terrific chance to hear some of the best jazz in the nation, but also a chance for KU to make a name for itself in yet another area of student endeavor. We hope you will feel the same way, and we hope to see you at the festival.
Remember, your $1.50 ticket is good for both the daytime sessions in the Union and the concert in Hoch that nite. So, if you can't make all of the festival, it will be worth your while to attend even part of it.
You may purchase tickets at the Information Booth,the Union ticket counter,Kief's and Bell's downtown, or at the door both day and nite sessions.