2025 Jazz Madrigal Festival

The Northern Arizona University choral and vocal faculty warmly invites you and your ensemble(s) to participate in the 2025 NAU Vocal Jazz & Madrigal Festival. Jointly sponsored by NAU Choral Studies and the NAU Student Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, this event will take place on the NAU campus and surrounding areas in Flagstaff from Thursday, February 6th to Saturday, February 8th, 2025. Ensembles of all skill levels are welcome to join. The festival is non-competitive and rated, offering the option to receive a division rating of I (superior), II (excellent), III (good), or IV (needs attention). Alternatively, you can choose to perform without a rating. If you prefer not to be rated, please indicate this on your registration form. All participating ensembles will receive an engraved plaque as a memento.

Registration & cost

The fee is $300.00 per jazz or madrigal ensemble. Initially, we will only accept two ensembles per director. Additional ensembles may be accepted after all applicants have had the opportunity to schedule an ensemble. Any remaining slots will be allocated to additional ensembles once the initial registration period concludes. Due to the high demand for festival slots, this policy will be strictly enforced this year.

Festival sites/Clinicians

As in the past, there will be (3) Madrigal sites and (3) Vocal Jazz sites. Adjudication at all sites will begin at 8:00 am on Friday and end at 4:30 pm on Saturday. We are pleased to announce the following Madrigal clinicians: Dr. Cari Earnhart (California State University, Fresno), Dr. Derrick Fox (Michigan State University), and Dr. Matthew Myers (Washington State University). The vocal jazz clinicians will be Dr. Kate Skinner (University of Idaho) and members of The Real Group. Bruce Rogers, Professor Emeritus from Mt. San Antonio College, will serve both as a Madrigal and Jazz Clinician Please note that we switch clinicians between the different sites.

Ensembles

• All festival ensembles will be allotted a total of twenty-five minutes, which includes entering and exiting the stage and the clinic with the designated clinician.

• Choirs are strongly encouraged to remain in the hall during the festival to learn from the adjudicator’s comments shared with other choirs and to appreciate the many varied performances by other ensembles.

• All ensembles participating in the festival are requested to limit performance time to approximately twelve (12) minutes or up to three (3) selections.

• Madrigal groups may perform any type of chamber music, with or without accompaniment.

• Four sections of three-step risers and a piano will be provided in Ashurst Hall, Kitt Recital Hall, Nativity Church, and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

• Ardrey Auditorium will have twenty-four individual microphones while Ashurst Auditorium and Kitt Recital Hall will have an area microphone setup and two solo microphones.

• All vocal jazz sites will have a soundboard, three monitors, a drum set (with cymbals, though you can bring your own cymbals), and a bass amplifier.

• Directors should plan on using only the sound equipment furnished at each festival site.

• Please note: we will no longer allow pre-recorded accompaniments for any ensembles. If you would like to hire an accompanist or a rhythm section from NAU, please email ryan.holder@nau.edu.

Host concerts

The Real Group is a world-renowned Swedish a cappella ensemble, celebrated for its innovative and sophisticated vocal arrangements. Formed in 1984 at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, the group combines elements of jazz, pop, and Nordic choral traditions, creating a unique and versatile sound. With over 20 albums and numerous international tours, The Real Group has captivated audiences with its precise harmonies, vocal virtuosity, and engaging performances. Their influence extends beyond music, as they have contributed significantly to the global a cappella community through workshops and collaborations.

Tickets for the evening concerts featuring The Real Group and the NAU Shrine of the Ages Choir will go on sale November 4th at 7:00 am by email only. Ticket prices will be $20.00 for students and $30.00 for adults. Full payment (Credit Card, Check, or Confirmed PO) for the host concert tickets must be received by January 10, 2025, or your tickets may be released to the public. Please use this form to order your tickets. Phone orders are not possible.

In addition, the NAU Vocal Jazz Ensemble High Altitude will be presenting a free concert on Friday and Saturday from 12:00-1:10 p.m.

Senior auditions

For those seniors interested in auditioning for entrance as a music major at NAU, we will offer auditions during the festival as follows:

• Friday, February 7th from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm.

• Saturday, February 8th from 9 am – 4 pm.

• Please email music@nau.edu to arrange an audition time beginning Monday, November 18th.

IMPORTANT – Students MUST have applied and been accepted to the University before we can schedule a School of Music audition.

Important dates to remember 

• October 7: Festival Registration open (7 am)
• October 21: Festival Registration is closed (7 am)
• October 25: Festival Participants will be notified of Performance Times and Venues via email and website
• November 4: Tickets for The Real Group & Shrine of the Ages Choir go on sale
• November 18: Email music@nau.edu to schedule senior auditions
• December 13: Payment must be received by the NAU Choral Studies Office or your ensemble(s) will lose their reserved time slots
• January 10: Last day to withdraw from the festival and receive a refund

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any facet of the festival, please call Shannon Spark, NAU Choral Studies Academic Program Coordinator at (928) 523-9949.