Each year the Northrop jazz bands host the Barry Ashton Jazz Festival, an invitational showcasing the talents of area middle- and high-school jazz musicians.
Get Involved with the Jazz Fest
There are several ways you can be a part of the annual Jazz Festival.
Volunteer - The event takes tons of volunteers working concessions, hosting the judges' lounge, serving as homeroom chaperones and more. Click here for the online sign-up form.
Sponsorships – The event always is in need of area businesses to sponsor the event. From providing funds to cover the cost of judges' lunches to defraying the cost of awards or concession food, event sponsorships help NIMPA to raise as much money as possible for the Instrumental Music Department. Click here for sponsorship information.
Advertising – Area vendor are encouraged to purchase advertising space in the Jazz Fest program. Seen by thousands of parents who come to the jazz fest to watch their students, your advertisement can raise funds for the music program while increasing your business' bottom line at the same time. Click here for advertising rates and forms. Click here to see a PDF copy of our 2012 Jazz Festival program. *Parents! Buy a Happy Ad and ell your kids how awesome they are with a Happy Ad in the program for just $10. Download the order form here.
Order a Jazz Festival T-shirt – The shirts are $10 and order forms and more information can be downloaded here.
Recent History
The event is named in honor of long-time Northrop band director, Barry Ashton, who took the Northrop jazz bands to hundreds of jazz festivals throughout the years. Ashton began the Northrop Jazz Festival in 1977 and it has maintained its tradition of excellence for the past 30 years with guest artists such as the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Steve Marcus, Louis Bellson and many more.
2013 The Todd Harrold Trio
2012 Rob Dixon, Saxophone
2011 Mark VanCleave and the Velocity Big Be-Bop Band, Trumpet
2010 Larry McWilliams with the Dave Pell Octet, Trumpet
2009 Phil DeGreg, Piano
2008 Greg Patillo and Company, Flute, Cello Bass
2007 Skinny Williams Combo, Saxophone Combo
2006 Roxanne Stevenson and Chicago State University Community Jazz Band, Saxophone and full band
2005 Roxanne Stevenson, Saxophone
2004 Bill Watrous, Trombone
2003 Gordon Brisker, Saxophone
2002 Larry McWilliams, Trumpet
2001 Pharez Whitted and the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, Trumpet and band
1999 Brubeck Brother Quartet, Saxophone and drums
 2012 Barry Ashton Jazz Program.pdf | [ ] | 2208 Kb |
