12 School Jazz Bands to Compete in Festival

Several of the county’s best middle and high school jazz bands will face off April 18 and 19 during the ninth annual jazz festival at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

The bands will judged on performance style, creativity, originality, skill and stage presence. The first-place award is $300; second, $250; and third, $200.

Competitors in the junior high division are Brookhurst and Orangeview junior highs in Anaheim; the intermediate-age students from Costa Mesa High School; La Paz Intermediate School in Mission Viejo; Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School, Kraemer Middle School in Placentia; and Travis Ranch Middle School in Yorba Linda.

In the high school division are Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Mission Viejo high schools, Woodbridge High School in Irvine and Edison High School in Huntington Beach.

Competitions will be on Heritage Stage, with middle school bands competing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18, and high school bands competing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19.

The jazz festival is part of the 18th annual Youth Expo, which runs April 18 to 20 at the grounds, and features various competitions and activities for children and teens.

Admission and parking are free. Information: (714) 708-1520.