School of Music

Jazz Festival

Saturday, March 28^th, 2026

For Middle School, High School, and University Jazz Ensembles, and General Public

Click here to view the detailed schedule for the day’s events!

GUEST ARTIST: Jesús Santandreu

Jesús Santandreu stands as one of the most versatile and active figures on the Spanish jazz and symphonic scenes. His career, forged on both sides of the Atlantic, is backed by an elite academic background: he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music, holds a Master’s in Conducting from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Master’s in Musical Research from the International University of Valencia.  

As a composer his compositional voice transcends borders, with a catalog of symphonic works premiered and performed in Brazil, the USA, Portugal, Germany, China, Taiwan, and Colombia. Renowned ensembles such as the Bläserphilharmonie Heilbronn (Germany) and the Dunshan Symphonic Wind Orchestra (China)—where he served as Composer-in-Residence—have featured his work in their programming. Additionally, several of his compositions have been selected as mandatory pieces for national band competitions in Spain, solidifying his place in contemporary repertoire. 

As a conductor, his career has led him to lead the Valencia Symphony Orchestra, the Valencia Municipal Symphonic Band, and numerous big bands. 

With extensive pedagogical experience, he serves as Professor of Jazz Saxophone at the “Joaquín Rodrigo” Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia, where he has also directed the jazz orchestra since 2017. He has been a guest professor at institutions in Portugal, China, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. 

His recording output is vast and highly acclaimed. As a leader, notable albums include Compendium (winner of the 2018 Carles Santos Prize), Out of the Cage, and Sound Colors. As a collaborator, he has participated in award-winning albums such as Este también (Best Album of the Year in Spain 2000 and Grammy pre-nomination) and A jazzar no cinema português (Best Album of the Year in Portugal 2003). 

Jesús will be performing with MTSU JAZZ ENSEMBLES 1, 2 AND JAZZ COMBOS

AND

The MTSU Jazz Faculty Combo

Don Aliquo, saxophone; Jamey Simmons, trumpet; Julia Rich, voice; Jon Cowherd, piano; Chip Henderson, guitar; Jack Aylor, bass; Miles Damaso, drums

Registration for the festival is $250 for Jazz Ensembles and $125 for each additional ensemble. For further information, contact Jamey Simmons, James.Simmons@mtsu.edu. REGISTRATION FOR THE EVENT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FRIDAY, MARCH 6th.

The festival honors the legacy of tenor saxophonist/band leader ILLINOIS JACQUET, who rose to prominence in the 1940s with the big bands of Count Basie and Lionel Hampton. To learn more about the Illinois Jacquet Foundation go to https://illinoisjacquetfoundation.org/. We hope that you and your students will joins us in this celebration of America’s great art form at Middle Tennessee State University. Best wishes for continuing success in your programs.

Sincerely,