CAVALCADE OF BANDS ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BOSCOV’S BERKS JAZZ FEST

Cavalcade of Bands and Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest are pleased to announce a strategic partnership for the 2022-2023 academic year. The organizations will work collaboratively to provide a world-class jazz education experience to students and ensembles across the mid-Atlantic region.

Through the new partnership, Cavalcade of Bands member ensembles will receive priority scheduling and discounted participation fees in the inaugural getJazzed@berks scholastic music festival, which places young performers on the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest main stage for performances, and also includes clinics, workshops, masterclasses, and jam sessions. Each participating student will also receive a free ticket to a major concert during the 2023 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.

The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, held in Reading, Pa. each spring, will celebrate its 32nd season in 2023 and is one of the premier jazz festivals in the nation. Attracting more than 30,000 fans during the 10-day festival, more than 40 major concerts are held in a collaborative effort with the local business community. The festival results in an estimated $20 million annual economic impact to the region, which takes great pride in “Jazz Fest!”

According to Educational Events Coordinator Scott Litzenberg, “Education is a centerpiece for Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, through our getJazzed education program. In addition to many clinics, camps, and projects throughout the year, we have a wonderful opportunity to develop a very special, educationally-focused experience for students, teachers, and families.”

Litzenberg, a retired band director of 34 years, emphasized, “It is important that we develop a festival that I would want to bring my students to—not only for the performance opportunities, but for the chance to learn from and rub elbows with some of the best professional jazz musicians in the world in a truly unique learning environment.”

While Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is scheduled to run from March 24 through April 2, 2023, the getJazzed@berks scholastic festival will be held throughout the day on both Tuesday, March 28 and Wednesday, March 29.

Paul Smith, Executive Director of Cavalcade of Bands, stated, “Cavalcade is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Berks Jazz Fest and their getJazzed program for this exciting new opportunity. As a circuit who presents many festivals across the region each weekend, we are always eager to provide memorable and impactful performance and learning opportunities for our member schools. This partnership achieves that goal in a local, affordable, user-friendly way for ensembles at all levels.”

Space is limited for this inaugural event. Directors are encouraged to visit getJazzedberks.com today to learn more and complete the interest form.

Registration Begins:

November 15 for Cavalcade member schools and Berks County schools

December 1 for all other ensembles