High School Jazz Band Day 2025 — Final Instructions

Final Instructions for Saturday, March 22

Collage of 5 jazz band instruments


High School Jazz Band Directors 

We are excited to welcome you and your group to the Ohio State High School Jazz Band Day on  Saturday, March 22.   

Please read thoroughly all the details below in order to prepare for your visit. 

Instruments and Equipment

We will provide the following:  

  • Drum set, cymbals , congas, bongos
  • Bass and guitar amplifiers 
  • Piano  and vibraphone
  • Microphones for brass and winds
  • If you need an additional keyboard or other equipment, please email Mike Smith by March 20. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. 

Remember to bring:  

  • Drum sticks
  • Bass and guitar patch cords 
  • NOTE — please do not bring saxophone fronts

BAND SCHEDULE: Warm-Up / Performance / Clinic

We hope you can stay on campus to hear other bands and for the Ohio State Jazz Ensemble performance at approx. 4:50 p.m., followed by our awards presentation. Award certificates will be mailed to schools approximately ten (10) days after the festival. 

High School Jazz Band Day 2025 Schedule [pdf]


ARRIVAL / UNLOADING / PARKING / LOADING  

High School Jazz Band Day will be held at The Timashev Family Music Building, 1900 College Rd., Columbus, OH 43210. 

Note: There is no access to park or unload a group on College Rd. in front of the Timashev Music Building. A quick, single-passenger drop-off is permissible.


Parking for cars and vans

If you have nothing to unload before parking, proceed directly to Arps Garage  at 1990 College Rd. (open weekends for visitors). Note that the entrance is located just off College Rd. on 18th Ave.  just north of the music building.

  • Drivers — take your ticket with you and pay at the Pay-on-Foot kiosk when you return to the garage. 
  • Exit the garage onto College Rd. and walk south. Walk past the new Theatre, Film and Media Arts building to the Timashev Music Building.
  • Proceed to the check-in table. 

15-minute loading zone and Bus drop-off/pick-up

Note: if you attended last year, this year's bus location has changed. Do not plan to use the Mershon Auditorium location for 2025.

  • Cars/vans and buses will unload in the same location — on Annie and John Glenn Ave. You must approach from the west (by the stadium), driving East on Annie and John Glenn Ave.. to access the loading spaces to the right.
  • Buses, as you travel east on Annie and John Glenn Ave. and approach College Rd., make use of any open space to pull over to unload. You do not need to only use the designated loading spots at the end of the street, which might be full.
  • If unloading a car/van, note that the 15-minute limit is enforced. Be careful not to get a ticket.
    • Cars/vans, once unloaded, turn left onto College Rd., then turn right onto 18th Ave. to access Arps Parking Garage. 

Drop-off/Pick-up on Annie and John Glenn Ave. [pdf]

Map for loading zone [pdf]

Bus Parking — Buckeye Lots

  • Buses may park in the Buckeye Lots at 2701 Fred Taylor Dr., 43210, located beyond the Schottenstein Center on Lane Ave.

Pick-Up

Pick-up at the end of your visit will occur at the same location. Please stay in touch with your bus driver via phone or text so that they can be in place for pick-up when you are ready.


CHECK-IN

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Once you arrive at Timashev Music Building, proceed to the Music Commons (first floor) to check in

At check-in, you will be greeted by your School of Music student host who will guide you through the rest of your day, to unload instruments, warm up, perform and attend your post-performance clinic. 


LUNCH  

If you plan to eat on campus, we suggest that students bring money for one of the food options on High St. There are several options just across the street.

While on campus — Students are to remain with their group. The Ohio State University School of Music is not responsible for students who are in the care and custody of their school. 


JAZZ FESTIVAL EVENTS

All are invited to attend events of the 48th Annual Ohio State Jazz Festival. All events are FREE. Evening concerts are at 7:30 p.m. in Weigel Auditorium. The concerts will also be livestreamed.

  • Tuesday, March 18 — Jazz Combos Night
  • Wednesday, March 19 — Jazz Club Night, with guest saxophonist Kellin Hanas
  • Thursday, March 20 —  Jazz Workshop and Jazz Lab Big Bands
  • Friday, March 21 — Guest artist Bobby Sparks and Friends
  • Saturday, March 22
    • High School Jazz Band Day, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
    • Ohio State Jazz Ensemble headliner concert with guest artist Bobby Sparks

QUESTIONS? 

Email Mike Smith, area coordinator of Jazz Studies.