Northeast Jazz Festival brings over 1,400 students to Norfolk for competition

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska community college welcomes over 1,400 school students for a music festival.

Northeast Community College in Norfolk is holding its annual Jazz Festival for the 41st year in a row.

Margaret Schultz, the manager of the festival, said the Northeast Area Jazz Ensemble thought of the idea to hold this festival every year.

"Their intent was that this would promote jazz education in northeast Nebraska," she said. "It provides an opportunity for the students to come and compete. Which some of the other festivals that they do is more of a clinic kind of thing."

Students from all over the state, Iowa and South Dakota are participating in this year's festival.

Schools will partake in two competitions: jazz band and vocal choir.

Following the competition, students and schools will receive feedback from judges about their performance.

Awards are handed out to first, second, third, and fourth-place winners. 

Schultz said the whole day is non-stop.

"Really, the building is a buzz all day long because they are really excited to perform, and so they are getting ready, dressed in all their finery to do that," she said. "They are excited to see who gets what placing, and encouraging one another etcetera or being supportive of the other groups."

The festival started Monday at 7:35 a.m. and it will run from 8:35 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

The event is free and open to the public.