Bringing Jazz Education and Enrichment to the Treasure Valley
Since 1998, the Gene Harris Jazz Festival has grown from a beloved public event into a focused, education-first program that honors Gene Harris’s spirit of improvisation and community. After several venue and funding changes, and recent shifts to campus-based performances, our school jazz showcase has evolved to a submission-based format, with selected winners invited to perform at the Gene Harris Battle of the Big Bands as part of Treefort at Boise State. Meanwhile, our monthly jam sessions and after-school All-Star combo continue to offer students of all levels hands-on, improvisation-led learning and performance opportunities.
Battle of the Big Bands and Collage! Information
Thursday, March 26, 2026 · Boise State Campus Amphitheater
Friday, March 27, 2026 · Boise State Campus Amphitheater
Join us for two days of live student music and community: the Gene Harris Battle of the Big Bands on Thursday, March 26, followed by Collage! Boise State Music and Friends on Friday, March 27, both at the Boise State Campus Amphitheater and presented as part of the larger Treefort at Boise State series.
During the Swing Era of the 1930s, the term “Battle of the Bands” became popular, describing how professional big band jazz orchestras would compete in live musical showdowns for audience approval and prestige, serving as major promotional events.
Thursday — Gene Harris Battle of the Big Bands (March 26)
- Eight 30-minute performance slots for middle and high school big bands, presented on a professional stage with professional sound.
- Midday performance by the Boise State Jazz Orchestra.
- Day’s performances will conclude by 7:00 PM.
Friday — Collage! Boise State Music and Friends (March 27)
- A curated series celebrating commercial music ensembles: jazz combos, rock bands, fiddle groups, and more — presented in the same amphitheater as part of Treefort at Boise State programming.
Fees
Performance slots are reserved by submitting your registration fee
- BOTB Ensemble Registration Fee: $250 per ensemble
- Collage! Ensemble Registration Fee: $150 per non-Boise State ensemble. No fee for Boise State student ensembles.
- All checks should be made out to “Gene Harris Jazz Festival” and mailed to: Boise State University, Department of Music, 1910 W University Dr, Boise, ID 83725
- Credit cards and cash payments are also accepted via the Music Department office. Contact Hannah Lee at hannahlee1@boisestate.edu or call (208) 426-3980 to make or arrange payment.
Logistics
Performers are not permitted to use their own amps unless they are used in addition to what is provided.
- Stage has overhead coverage, monitors, microphones, and a full PA system
- 25 chairs and 50 music stands will be provided
- Drum Kit and HH clutch provided (BYO cymbals and hats)
- Electric and Acoustic Bass Amps Provided (BYO patch cables)
- Guitar and Keyboard amps (BYO patch cables)
- Roland 88-key weighted digital keyboard and bench provided (with pedal)
- Vibraphone (BYO mallets)
- The Hemingway Center will be used for warm-up and storage
- Parking information to come
Participation
- All Big Bands will get some kind of display item for participation
- All participants will get access to the concert recording
- All Big Bands will get feedback from our guest artist (TBD)
Questions or inquiries? Contact Dr. Derek Ganong, Director of Jazz at geneharris@boisestate.edu
Come be part of a professional, educational, and inspirational weekend of performance — and help support Boise State’s vibrant student music community!