The 11th annual MSU Billings Jazz Festival brought together music students from across Montana for a day of performance and learning from industry professionals. Founded by MSU Billings music professor John Roberts, the festival has grown to include over 25 schools and now features a variety of musical genres beyond jazz. This year, the festival included a mambo-style orchestra performance, blending the talents of Montana musicians with professionals from Los Angeles. Guest artists like Ron Blake and Junko Seki provided musical clinics and adjudicated student performances. The festival also featured a sold-out gala concert showcasing the MSU Billings Jazz Ensemble. Students who attended the festival spoke of the valuable experience of learning from professional musicians and the inspiration it provided. The event not only offers young musicians a chance to perform and receive feedback but also serves as a platform for them to connect with others and find motivation to pursue their passion for music.
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