Guest artist Vincent Herring

Vincent Herring has developed into a virtuoso with a voice that is uniquely intense and vigorous with energy and direction. He is considered one of the premier saxophonists of his generation. Herring first toured Europe and the United States with Lionel Hampton’s big band in the early 1980s. As he developed his musicianship he began to work with Nat Adderley, a liaison that continued for nine years. Along the way he has worked with such jazz legends as Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Turre, The Mingus Big Band, Kenny Barron, Nancy Wilson, Dr. Billy Taylor, Carla Bley, and John Hicks. Other special concert and projects have included special guest soloist engagements with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center and guest soloist at Carnegie Hall with John Faddis and The Carnegie Hall Big Band. While amassing these impressive credentials, Herring continues to develop his own voice and style. Herring is also involved in jazz education; he is currently on staff at William Patterson University and regularly conducts master classes and jazz workshops at Juilliard. Herring has recorded 15 CDs as a leader and can be heard on over 200 recordings as a sideman.

Our Commitment to Jazz Education

The annual Moores School of Music Jazz Festival invites middle school and high school jazz ensembles to perform in the Moores Opera House for a panel of distinguished jazz artists. Our festival will be organized according to IAJE guidelines and will include a private clinic/commentary session by one member of the panel. Although this festival is not competitive, it includes a trophy system that will single out top performances by individuals and groups. The festival trophy list includes:

• 50 All-Star Trophies (25 given each day to outstanding performers)
• Outstanding Soloist of the Day
• Outstanding Soloist of the Festival
• Outstanding Middle School Ensemble of the Day
• Outstanding High School Ensemble of the Day
• Outstanding Middle School Ensemble of the Festival
• Outstanding High School Ensemble of the Festival
• Outstanding Ensemble of the Festival

Our guest artist will be presenting a free one-hour clinic with the assistance of the MSM Jazz Orchestra beginning at noon. This free clinic is open to the public.

Purchase Tickets

Complete our fillable PDF ticket order form, then print, sign, and fax it to us.

Want to Participate?

If you are interested in participating in our event, we strongly encourage everyone to please send the necessary application fee as quickly as possible. Time slots fill up very quickly and ensembles will be admitted in the order that their applications are received.

1. Complete our fillable PDF registration form, then email, fax, or mail to us.
2. Complete our fillable PDF ensemble roster, then email, fax, or mail to us.
3. Use our online stage setup application, which will let us know how to set up our stage properly for your organization.