DCJazzPrix™
DCJazzPrix™ International Band Competition:
DCJazzPrix is an annual international band competition that provides a unique professional and adjudication platform for emerging bands, outside of the traditional academic and commercial arenas. Unlike other performance-based contests, DCJazzPrix puts the emphasis on the essential interactions between band members and recognizes these relationships as the core pursuit of the jazz aesthetic. Young and emerging jazz bands from around are encouraged to apply for our premier global completion. DCJazzPrix applicants will have their music heard by a prestigious jury of jazz luminaries. Three finalist bands will be selected to travel to compete at the DCJazzPrix Finals to Washington, DC before an enthusiastic crowd of jazz fans during the annual DC JazzFest. The winning band will receive a $15,000 grand prize, and a yearlong association with the DC Jazz Festival that includes customized business development and career impact services, extensive publicity training, and a highly visible 2025 DC JazzFest engagement with commensurate compensation.
DCJazzPrix is an annual international band competition that provides a unique professional and adjudication platform for emerging bands, outside of the traditional academic and commercial arenas. Unlike other performance-based contests, DCJazzPrix puts the emphasis on the essential interactions between band members and recognizes these relationships as the core pursuit of the jazz aesthetic. Young and emerging jazz bands from around are encouraged to apply for our premier global completion. DCJazzPrix applicants will have their music heard by a prestigious jury of jazz luminaries. Three finalist bands will be selected to travel to compete at the DCJazzPrix Finals to Washington, DC before an enthusiastic crowd of jazz fans during the annual DC JazzFest. The winning band will receive a $15,000 grand prize, and a yearlong association with the DC Jazz Festival that includes customized business development and career impact services, extensive publicity training, and a highly visible 2025 DC JazzFest engagement with commensurate compensation.
The application is closed.
The 2023-2024 DCJazzPrix program is made possible by the generous support of The Leonard and Elaine Silverstein Family Foundation. The DCJazzPrix award is made possible by the generous support of the Gillon Charitable Fund, Roger Schagrin, and the Galena-Yorktown Foundation.
Eligibility
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Repertoire: Open
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Age: band members must be at least 18 years old, but not older than 45, as of April 1, 2024
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Band Size: 2-9 instrumental or vocal members
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Reach: International applicants accepted
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Bands may combine any instrumentation including conventional jazz strings and winds formats and/or percussion, voice, and technology
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Band stability is stressed: Band personnel of the band may not change once the application is submitted
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Band must be a formed and functioning ensemble for at least three years prior to time of application; groups may not be established with the purpose of competing in the DCJazzPrix
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Applicant bands may be affiliated or housed within music school departments, or be categorized as "stand-alone/self-contained" and/or professionally emerging ensembles
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Each member is required to compete in Washington, DC. Finalists are responsible for travel to Washington, DC. Each band will receive a travel stipend of $500.00 (maximum). Hotel rooms will be provided by DC Jazz Festival.
Work Sample Audio/Video Requirements
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Accepted streaming platforms (ONLY): YouTube, SoundCloud, BandCamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, or Audiomack. Usage of incorrect formats will automatically disqualify an application.
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Include only one work sample per link (unless requested otherwise); and list with each the composition’s title, composer’s name, arranger’s name, band members' names, track length, and date of recording.
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In all, submit no more than thirty minutes of total music.
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Eligible samples must represent performances between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2023, and must reflect the applicant band in its current personnel incarnation.
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The jury must be able to evaluate all members of the group. Therefore, it is recommended that files provide evidence of the collective ensemble, as well as each member’s performance throughout all samples.
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Extensive editing can detract from juror viewing, and is strongly discouraged.
Review Criteria
A prestigious jury will evaluate applications according to the following criteria:
Artistic Excellence:
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As demonstrated by the work samples submitted, and
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The band’s vision statement and demonstrated record of emerging professional achievement as a band
Artistic Merit:
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The perceived significance of the band’s participation in DCJazzPrix as it relates to the band’s professional experience level and trajectory, and
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The value of a year-long association with DC JazzFest as a significant catalyst for the band to: sustain its membership, apply itself to business acumen support, and create additional performance and career opportunities
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. There is a $29 fee per band entry.
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2024 DCJazzPrix Winners: Hiruy Tirfe Quartet
Coming off of the fresh, captivating release of his debut record entitled “10,000 Hours” with a outstanding 4 of 5 star review on DownBeat Magazine, Hiruy Tirfe is a distinguished saxophonist, musician, composer, arranger, educator, and film scorer hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Philadelphia, PA. His journey as a versatile musician began during his time in Upper Darby public schools, in addition to extra curricular programs such as the Kimmel Center Creative Music Program, and then continuing his studies at the University Of The Arts in Center City Philadelphia, where he honed his craft and emerged as a sought-after sideman for numerous local Philadelphia artists. Tirfe received his bachelors in Music Performance (Saxophone) with a Minor In Music Education in 2017 then the following year received his Master in Music Education while attending University Of The Arts.
While pursuing his education, Tirfe had the privilege of studying under the mentorship of top-tier jazz musicians residing in Philadelphia, including luminaries like Mike Cemprola, Mark Allen and John Swana. These experiences provided the foundation for his extraordinary talent.
Tirfe's impact in the industry is undeniable, as he has collaborated with an impressive roster of renowned artists, such as Patti LaBelle, The Roots, Solange Knowles, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Trombone Shorty, Solange Knowles, Res, Brandy, Tye Tribbett, Eric Roberson, Chill Moody, Mike Boone, Jeff Bradshaw, and many others. His reputation as a consummate professional, both on stage and in the studio, has led to incredible opportunities whether on the big stages, clubs stages and in the studio.
Beyond the musical realm, Hiruy Tirfe has extended his talents to the world of TV and film, contributing his unique musical voice to productions like "A Nashville Legacy," where he worked alongside notable actors like Andrea Lewis, Pooch Hall, and Roz Ryan. Additionally, his contributions graced Tye Tribbett's Grammy-nominated gospel album, "All Things New."
You are guaranteed to be engaged in the high level of artistry, musicianship and professionalism when you listen to saxophonist Hiruy Tirfe and his quartet.