Festival Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Entering its 53rd year, the Larry McWilliams Dimensions in Jazz Festival attracts over 35 high school jazz bands annually. The bands participate in jazz band and combo competitions as well as clinics. The day ends with an evening concert featuring the two winning bands from the day’s competition and the Ball State Jazz Lab Ensemble with special guest artists. Ball State Jazz faculty and invited guests present clinics and judge the competitions.
2026 Guest Artist: Jeff Coffin
Jeff Coffin is a saxophonist and composer who has earned international acclaim for his work with Dave Matthews Band and Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, as well as his 23+ solo projects. Coffin’s approach to the saxophone is marked by a fearless sense of exploration, fusing elements of jazz, funk, world music, and rock into a style that is uniquely his own.
A 3x Grammy Award winner, Coffin has toured the world, captivating audiences with his powerful, emotive playing. In addition to his work as a performer, Coffin is deeply committed to music education, teaching at Vanderbilt University and presenting well over 400 workshops and clinics around the globe. He is also the founder of the independent record label Ear Up Records and co-founder of AfricaNashville - which promotes cross cultural relationships between celebrated African and American artists in Nashville, TN. Coffin’s passion for sharing knowledge has made him a respected mentor to aspiring musicians everywhere.
On October 19, 2024, Dave Matthews Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Jeff is one of a handful musicians to attain this incredible musical honor!
Jeff is a Yamaha Performing Artist & Clinician, a Boston Sax Shop Ambassador, & a JodyJazz Artist.
Registration
If you’d like your high school jazz band to participate in the festival, please email Mark Buselli, director of jazz studies at Ball State University.