Gene Harris Jazz
The Gene Harris Jazz Program honors pianist Gene Harris by advancing jazz education and creating performance opportunities for students. Rooted in the festival that began in 1998, our program focuses on hands-on learning through monthly jam sessions, an after-school All-Star program, masterclasses, workshops, and ensemble performances that connect learners with faculty and visiting artists.
We are continuously evolving our festival programming to better meet our mission and expand student reach. The submission-based model, which invites selected student ensembles to perform at Treefort at Boise State, is currently undergoing further refinement. This allows us to ensure these high-profile, experiential performing opportunities are accessible to more students across the program, keeping education and community engagement at the program’s heart.
Treefort at Boise State
Part of Treefort Music Festival, Treefort at Boise State brings the festival onto Boise State’s campus. Gene Harris Jazz plays a central role at Treefort at Boise State, presenting student showcases, masterclasses, collab performances, jam sessions, and workshops across multiple venues, including the Campus Amphitheater. Our Gene Harris All-Stars, area students, and the Boise State Jazz Ensemble will perform individually, as well as alongside visiting guest artists, in free events open to the public.
Treefort at Boise State gives students hands-on performance and learning opportunities, connects them with industry professionals, and invites the wider Boise community to experience the creativity and energy of the Gene Harris legacy. You can find every Boise State-involved event on the Treefort schedule.