State Honor Jazz Bands
2025–2026 MBDA State Jazz Honor Bands
The 2025–26 MBDA 7–8 and 9–10 State Jazz Honor Bands are an opportunity for talented young musicians from across Minnesota to join together in the performance of quality jazz ensemble literature.
Conductors
- Ryan Frane – 7-8 Band Director (University of Minnesota - Duluth)
- Dr. Phil Ostrander – 9-10 Band Director (University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire)
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule
- Rehearsal: Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Anoka Ramsey Community College
- Informal Performance: Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM for family and friends
- Formal Performance: Friday, February 13, 2026, in the morning at the Minneapolis Convention Center during the MMEA Midwinter Clinic
Note: Attendance is mandatory for all events.
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be in grades 7–10
- Students must be involved in their MN school band and jazz band program during the year of audition
- Directors must be current, paid MBDA members at the time of audition submission
Audition Submission
- All auditions must be submitted as MP3 recordings
- Submission Window: October 30 – November 6, 2025
- Audition Fee: $17
- Students are selected based on top audition results, with an effort to represent as many Minnesota schools as possible
Notification of Acceptance
Results will be posted on the MBDA website on or before December 8, 2025.
Participation Requirements
- Students must prepare all assigned music in advance
- Attend all scheduled rehearsals and activities
- Participation Fee: $90.00 per student (includes lunch during the Saturday rehearsal)
- Parents are responsible for transportation, lodging, and supervision outside of rehearsal and performance times
Please direct questions about the MBDA State Honor Jazz Bands to Geneva Fitzsimonds at