The Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra will again present the WCJO Jazz Fest on March 28 and 29 at Lycoming College’s Trachte Music Center, a press release said.

The annual Jazz Fest is a weekend of concerts and events offering exciting educational opportunities and celebrating our area’s rich musical talent. Last year, more than 100 area high school and college students participated in the event; and this year more than 150 students will participate.

On March 28, six area high school jazz bands will convene to participate in instrumental clinics and side by side performances with WCJO musicians and educators. The bands will receive feedback and advice to reach their full potential. The orchestra will have the following educators adjudicate again this year: Dr. Eddie Severn, of Mansfield and Bloomsburg Universities; Dr. Gail Levinsky, of Susquehanna University; and Professor Kevin Henry. The high school band performances are free and open to the public, beginning at 4:15 p.m. on Friday.

The concert on March 29 will open with the All-Star Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble. The All-Stars are the first and only intercollegiate jazz group in the state, featuring selected student musicians from Lycoming College, Bucknell University, Mansfield University, Bloomsburg University, and Susquehanna University. The ensemble will be conducted by Professor Dale Orris and Dr. Eddie Severn. The WCJO will follow with a performance that includes the world premiere of Kevin Henry’s “Senderismo en Espana.” The program will include other tunes performed for the first time by the orchestra. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra Facebook page.