The Theta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Texas State University - San Marcos is proud to announce the 21st Annual Hill Country Jazz Festival. The festival will be held February 6, 2010 on the beautiful Texas State campus. Our excellent facilities, outstanding adjudicators, clinicians and performers promise to make this a special event. The Hill Country Jazz Festival is a non-competitive event that does not select “winners” but instead recognizes outstanding big bands, combos and individual instrumentalists with “Outstanding Performance Awards.”

• Jazz Ensembles wishing to participate in the Hill Country Jazz Festival should complete the enclosed application and return it by mail with the non-refundable $185.00 by January 11, 2010.
• Please make checks payable to Kappa Kappa Psi.
• Directors will be notified of performance time and venue by January 22, 2010.

Guest Artist - Bob Mintzer

In the jazz world, Bob Mintzer is a household name, associated with being a saxophonist, bass clarinetist, composer, arranger, leader of a Grammy winning big band, member of the Yellowjackets and educator.  He has written over 200 big band arrangements spanning a 34 year career, many of which are performed all over the world by both student and professional bands.  His own big band has been nominated for 4 Grammy awards and has won a Grammy for best large jazz ensemble recording in 2001 with Homage to Count Basie on the DMP label.  Bob has recorded 26 solo recordings with both big band and small jazz ensembles. He is an 18 year member of the Grammy award winning band Yellowjackets, and has recorded 12 cds with them.  Bob has published 4 jazz etude books (Belwin Jazz), a solo transcription book (Belwin Jazz), a saxophone method book (Kendor Music), 4 saxophone quartets (Kendor music), close to 200 big band arrangements (Kendor Music, Belwin Jazz) and has composed several pieces for orchestra.  He has had a diverse career as a freelance musician in New York City recording with artists Steve Winwood, James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, and Queen. He has toured with Buddy Rich, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Jaco Pastorius, Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri.  Bob has been on the faculty of Manhattan School of Music and recently joined the faculty of USC in Los Angeles. 

Texas State University emphasizes the importance of jazz education and performance as part of a comprehensive music department curriculum. The recipient of numerous awards and honors, the Texas State University Jazz Ensemble will perform with Mr. Mintzer to close out the festival. The Texas State University Jazz Ensemble has performed at many prestigious festivals including the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals, the Texas Jazz Festival, the UNT Jazz Festival, the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival and the IAJE and TMEA Conventions.

Please send all inquiries to: