January 14, 2026
The Butler School of Music will take the national stage in January 2026 as its jazz program heads to New York City for the prestigious National Collegiate Jazz Championship at Lincoln Center. Led by Director of Jazz Studies Diego Rivera, Butler’s jazz ensemble is one of just ten university programs from across the country invited to compete in this year’s championship.
Jazz Orchestra Rehearsing for Lincoln Center
The 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship brings together ensembles from some of the nation’s most renowned collegiate jazz programs for an intensive weekend of performance, competition, and collaboration. In addition to big band and combo performances, students will participate in mentorship sessions with members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, offering rare opportunities to learn directly from leading professional artists.
Jazz Orchestra Rehearsing for Lincoln Center
Both the Combo Competition, scheduled for Sunday, January 18 at 10 a.m., and the Big Band Competition Finals, Final Concert, and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, January 18 at 3:30 p.m., are sold out, underscoring the high level of talent represented.