Enjoy a day of jazz and “big band” music in Fredericksburg! The National Museum of the Pacific War announces the 2024 Big Band Era Competition for high school jazz bands. The competition will be held as part of the Fredericksburg Jazz Festival at Fredericksburg High School on Saturday, April 13.

Numerous high school jazz ensembles from around the state will being performing from 8:30 a.m. throughout the day, culminating in a 7:30 p.m. concert by The Power House Big Band, a popular San Antonio jazz group.

The Big Band Era Competition portion of the festival is sponsored by the Museum and honors the legacy of the USS Arizona Band and its 21 members who all perished when their ship was destroyed in the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Competing ensembles will perform a 1940s piece for a chance to win a trophy and a $500.00 prize.

The public is cordially invited to enjoy this uniquely American type of music, including the timeless Big Band sounds of the 40s. Admission is free.