2025 Jazz Madrigal Festival
The annual Northern Arizona University Vocal Jazz Madrigal Festival, one of the largest festivals of its kind in the United States, features special guest clinicians and over 140 high school ensembles from Arizona and nearby states. The two-day festival includes a host concert in which choirs from NAU and professional groups of national and international stature appear.
This event will be held in person on the NAU campus in Flagstaff from Thursday, February 6 through Saturday, February 8, 2025. Ensembles of all ability levels are invited to participate in this rated, but non-competitive festival.
Guest Ensemble
The Real Group is a world-renowned Swedish a cappella ensemble, celebrated for their 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.
Registration & Cost
$300.00 – for each jazz or madrigal ensemble.
IMPORTANT – Registration is only online – we will no longer accept registration forms via email (and you don’t have to sit by a computer at 7:00 am).
Online registration will begin on Monday, October 7th, 2024, at 7:00 am and will remain open until Monday, October 21st, 2024, at 7:00 am. All schools that register within this period will be included in a lottery, which will take place at 8:00 am on October 21st. Ensembles will be scheduled according to the lottery results.
Initially, we will accept only TWO ensembles per director. Additional ensembles will be accepted only after all applicants have been allowed to schedule an ensemble. Available slots will be assigned to additional ensembles after the initial registration period. Please note that this will be strictly enforced due to the high demand for festival slots.
Festival Clinicians
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.
Host Concerts
The Real Group and the NAU Shrine of the Ages Choir will present a host concert on Thursday, February 6th and Friday, February 7th at 7:30 pm.
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.
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.
Important Dates
- October 7: Festival Registration Opens (7 am)
- October 21: Festival Registration Closes (7 am)
- October 21: Festival Lottery takes place (8 am)
- October 25: Festival Participants 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 (7 am)
- November 18: Senior Audition sign-ups open. Email music@nau.edu to schedule
- December 13: Festival Payment Deadline. NAU Choral Studies Office must receive your payment by this date to save your reserved time slots.