Show your chops: you’ll do that here.

The Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival showcases excellent student musicians and guest artists from around the nation, all contributing to a vibrant festival of jazz and the celebration of music performance and education. 

The festival has grown in size every year, becoming known as the premier student event in the region. We look forward to welcoming new student groups, national artists, clinicians, and adjudicators from across the country each year. Our goal is to ensure that every participant leaves the festival energized, with a greater appreciation and knowledge for the art of jazz music and performance.

Dr. Felipe Brito, Festival Director

25th Annual Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival 2025  

  • Feb. 14-15, 2025 Evening Gala Concert

Featuring Charles (Chip) McNeill, Jazz Saxophonist, and the Southeast Missouri State University Jazz Ensembles

Friday, February 14, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Bedell Performance Hall
River Campus 
Tickets: $15

We can't wait to hear and meet you at this year's festival!

Student groups begin at 8 a.m.

Entry Fee

$185 for each participating band.
Includes:

  • Performance Recording
  • Adjudication
  • Improvisation clinics

Featured Artist

Charles "Chip" McNeill

chip mcnell performing with his saxophone on a blue and orange lit stage

In addition to his position with the University of Illinois School of Music, Professor McNeill is Musical Director and Jazz Tenor Saxophonist for Grammy award-winning recording artist, Arturo Sandoval. The album Hot House with Arturo won a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz recording and two of McNeill's charts were nominated for Grammys from the recording. Professor McNeill also has performed and toured with the legendary jazz trumpeter, Maynard Ferguson, with whom he has produced, written, and performed on several albums, including Live in London.

Chip has also performed with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstine, Wynton Marsalis, Nat Adderley, David Liebman, Duffy Jackson, Ira Sullivan, the Woody Herman Orchestra, Ted Shumate, and Larry Willis.

Learn More about Charles "Chip" McNeill

Jazz Festival Registration

If you would like your band to perform during the Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival, registration is required and there is a fee of $185 for the first band or combo.

Contact Us
Social
Location
River Campus Seminary, 254
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 7800
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701