The 35th Annual Jazz Symposium

Are you looking for a mini jazz festival? If so, look no further than the Little Theater at Wilton High School. On Friday, March 4, eight jazz ensembles will gather for the school’s 35th Annual Jazz Symposium.

Six of the bands represent local high schools: Wilton, Brien McMahon, Newtown, Norwalk, Staples and Trumbull. Each will receive feedback on its performance from a panel of evaluators. The other two ensembles are theBucknell University Jazz Band and the Berkshire Big Band.

Led by director Chip Zellner, Berkshire features Wilton High band director Chip Gawle and assistant director John Rhodes, as well as other local band directors. Berkshire is expected to go on stage around 9:30 p.m. to close the day.

Rhodes started the symposium in 1976 to give high school ensembles an opportunity to showcase their music. It was the first event of its kind in Fairfield County, a symposium press release says.

In addition to hearing live music, jazz buffs can bring outgrown or unused instruments for Play it for Bridgeport, an organization that collects used instruments for the Bridgeport school system. Over the past two years about 200 instruments were donated. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, email wiltonmusic@yahoo.com.

The event is free and runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Symposium goers can attend one or two sets or stay from beginning to end.