Dear Students, Band Directors, Parents,

Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) and Dr. Keller Coker of the School of Jazz & Contemporary Music at The New School are excited to announce the 17th Annual Charles Mingus Festival & High School Competition, founded in 2008 by NEA Jazz Master Sue Mingus.

The Competition/Festival weekend includes optional Friday and essential Saturday workshops and masterclasses at The New School, run by veteran Mingus repertory musicians and educators, a full day Sunday of Competition performances, special Mingus Big Band concerts, and numerous opportunities to immerse in the sights and sounds of New York City. Don’t miss a visit to the Charles Mingus room at The New School where his Steinway grand piano resides surrounded by Mingus posters and memorabilia, and the legendary Mingus basses will be on display and in use!

Past adjudicators and clinicians have included

Dr. Keller Coker, trombonist/Dean of The New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music;
Justin DiCioccio, former Chair of the Jazz Arts Program at Manhattan School of Music;
Wayne Escoffery, tenor saxophonist/Professor Yale University;
Robin Eubanks, trombonist/Professor Oberlin College;
Tatum Greenblatt, trumpeter/Professor The Juilliard School;
Conrad Herwig, trombonist/Director of Jazz Studies Rutgers University;
Andrew Homzy, musicologist/author/Professor Concordia University, Montreal;
Sy Johnson, composer/arranger/Charles Mingus and Mingus Big Band;
Boris Kozlov, bassist/arranger/Musical Director of Mingus Repertory Bands/Prof Syracuse University
Christian McBride, bassist/Creative Chair for Jazz LA Philharmonic;
Eric Mingus, vocalist/bassist/poet;
James Newton, flutist/Professor UCLA;
Dr. Alexander Pope Norris, trumpeter/Professor Rutgers University;
Gunther Schuller, conductor/Pulitzer-winning composer/educator;
Lauren Sevian, baritone saxophonist/Professor Berklee College of Music;
Helen Sung, pianist/Professor Columbia University;
Reggie Workman, bassist/NEA Jazz Master;
Andy McKee, bassist/Director of New School Jazz’s Mingus Ensemble;
Abraham Burton, tenor saxophonist/Director of Rutgers University’s Mingus Ensemble;
Ingrid Jensen, trumpet/Dean of Manhattan School of Music;
Mark Gross, alto saxophonist/Director of Jazz Instruction NJPAC; 
Earl McIntyre, bass trombonist/InterSchool Orchestras of New York;
and more!

New for 2025:

• International schools and students may apply!
• A new “Comments-Only” alternative! Groups and solo musicians may receive Mingus Music and submit one composition for comment. They will not be considered for the competition but are encouraged to attend the weekend activities with other participants and finalists.

In addition, at least one $25,000 tuition scholarship to The New School will be awarded in the name of Charles Mingus, to a graduating senior participating in the Festival. Award will be based on Competition performance, and application and acceptance to The New School’s Jazz & Contemporary Music program.

Thank you for your heart, spirit, and dedication. You are an important part of the music community and the legacy of Charles and Sue Mingus.

102 years later…Mingus Lives!

Warmest Regards,

Let My Children Hear Music

Roberto Ungaro, Eric Mingus, Shannon Manning, Theodore Davis,
Kal Ferretti, Jenna Love, Emma Ungaro

FAQ/RULES

Who can participate?

Combos and big bands from high schools nationwide, or of high school age worldwide.

Combos and big  bands are subdivided into  a) non-specialized high schools and b) specialized schools and programs

How do we participate?

Each ensemble selects three Mingus charts to perform and submits a pre-screening recording. They will receive individual feedback from the adjudicators and compete for a spot as a finalist in the Competition. (Comment-only participants submit one recording for feedback only.) All are welcome to attend the festival.

What are the definitions of Combo and Big Band? 

Combo: 2-9 musicians.

Big Band: 10-17 or 20 musicians, depending on the arrangement.
Mingus Big Band arrangements typically have 14 parts; Simply Mingus arrangements have 17. You may add 3 additional instruments (guitar, keys, clarinet, etc.) You may not double parts (two of the same instrument on one part), or split one song between two players. You MAY alternate performers on different tunes (not the same tune) as long as no more than 14 (or 17 if additional instruments) are performing at one time for Mingus Big Band charts, and no more than 17 (or 20 with additional instrumentation) for Simply Mingus charts. For more details about expanding instrumentation within the guidelines, see PART 1: SIGN UP sheet, or contact the LMCHM office.

What if my school doesn’t have a band or I have an independent band?

Students may independently assemble and self-direct a combo with other high school-aged students from their own or different schools. Groups may employ professional coaching, but should be primarily self-directed and will be adjudicated in specialized categories. Groups will need adult approval and trip supervision (typically a parent chaperone), as specified in the application. 

What charts will we receive for our COMPETITION  entry fee?

Combos will receive a digital packet of Mingus lead sheets from which they will select three to arrange (Mingus Dynasty arrangements available by request - more info during signup). Big bands will select 3 fully-arranged Mingus Big Band or Simply Mingus charts. You may not repeat selections you performed in the prior year.

What charts will we receive for our COMMENTS-ONLY entry fee?

Combos will receive a digital packet of Mingus lead sheets from which they will select one to arrange. Big bands can select 1 fully-arranged Mingus Big Band or Simply Mingus chart. You may submit one recording for comment only, it will not be judged for competition.

What if we want to do a longer  extended composition? Big bands may perform one extended composition and one standard-length composition instead of the typical three. See composition list for details.

How long is our performance time?

If your ensemble is selected as a finalist, you will have 30 minutes of stage time during the Competition: 5 minutes on, 20 minutes of music, and 5 minutes off.  Please take this into consideration when selecting your program.

Can we enter as both combo and big band?

Yes, but you must submit two separate entries.

Can a student perform in two bands? 

Yes, a student may perform in two bands as long as they are not competing in the same category.

Can vocalists participate?

Yes! Vocalists can participate with big bands or combos.  Lyrics have been written by Charles Mingus, Joni Mitchell, Elvis Costello, and Sue Mingus. See audio selections for details.

What additional support will we receive?

Videos, sound files, and other educational materials will be available on the website. Keep an eye on your email for updates and events. Our office is available to answer any of your questions.

How many will make it to the finals?
12-13 total, at least 3 from each category: Combos, Specialized  Combos, Big Bands, and Specialized Big Bands.

What if we are not finalists? Can we still come?

YES! ALL applicants, whether finalists or not, will receive adjudication feedback, and may also come to NYC to participate in clinics, concerts, jams, and special events in New York City.

What if we can’t travel to New York?

You can still participate! You will receive charts, guidance and expert feedback on your submitted recording and access to any livestreams and online materials.

What is the fee?

For $200, each group will receive music charts, feedback on their submission, and may attend the Competition and clinics, even if they are not finalists. Fee increases to $250 after Nov 1, 2024.

Make checks payable to “LET MY CHILDREN HEAR MUSIC, INC.” to 291 Broadway, #1405, New York, NY 10007. Zelle (preferred): education@charlesmingus.org or Paypal: https://paypal.me/mingusinstitute

What is the fee for COMMENT-ONLY?

For $50, each group will receive charts, feedback on one  submission, and may attend the Competition and clinics.

What if we can’t afford the fee or travel?
In an effort to increase participation and diversity, we are pleased to announce the Sue Mingus Memorial Fund. Entry fee waivers and travel stipends are available on a limited basis. Please contact us for consideration.

What are the prizes?

There will be trophies and certificates for Best Combos and Big Bands (specialized and non-specialized) plus honors for Outstanding Soloists, Section Players, Student Arrangers, Instrument Sections, and a “Mingus Spirit” award to a group or individual.

Can the same group win year after year?

Best Big Bands and Best Combo winners for two consecutive years may not compete for one year. They may, however, submit a recording for comment and attend the Competition weekend.

What do I need to know about the New School scholarship?

Please let us know if you have seniors  planning on applying to The New School’s Jazz and Contemporary Music program and we’ll connect you with New School for details. Many students utilize the festival weekend to also complete their in-person auditions to the university.

What if I have other questions?

Email or call!  education@charlesmingus.org  212-736-4749 charlesmingus.org

2025 Charles Mingus High School Competition is produced by Let My Children Hear Music (The Charles Mingus Institute) and Dr. Keller Coker of the School of Jazz at The New School. Other festival/concert events produced by LMCHM with Jazz Workshop, Inc.

Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation and Jazz Workshop, Inc. provide sheet music to entrants.

LET MY CHILDREN HEAR MUSIC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

Let My Children Hear Music, Inc. 291 Broadway #1405, New York, NY 10007

212-736-4749            Education@CharlesMingus.org          charlesmingus.org