Charles Mingus Festival & High School Competition
FRIday, FEB 13 - SUNday, FEB 15, 2026
“20 years ago, Sue had a vision and desire to give the gift of Charles’ music to high school-aged musicians. Now, year-after-year, we see them elevating this music to levels previously not always attainable—even by some pros. I can only imagine how happy Charles and Sue would be now listening to the amazing entries for this Competition.
It started simple 18 years ago, but now I listen to kids playing “Sue’s Changes,” “Remember Rockefeller at Attica,” “Opus 4,” and “Reincarnation of a Lovebird.” The world definitely has a better chance to be a better place with young musicians playing Mingus!”
“The Charles Mingus Competition is a wonderful (and sometimes even life changing) event. Charles Mingus was the 21st century living in the 20th century. It’s only appropriate that the Mingus competition be instrumental in training and exposing musicians to America’s classical music. Whether it’s jazz in the club or classical music in the concert hall, it’s all reflected in the music of Charles Mingus. The competition attracts bright, talented artists—some are well on their way, some are just starting. The exposure to the music and their peers is life changing. Mingus always wanted a school, and now, he has a platform for those ideas. It’s only fitting for one of America’s greatest composers.”
All Events:
“Listening to these submissions was inspiring. What struck me most were the selections of pieces and the creativity of many of the arrangements, while still staying within the parameters of the music and honoring the spirit of Mingus’ work. That balance is no small feat. Mingus’ music demands a rare level of maturity: navigating multiple tempo and feel changes within a single piece, mastering challenging harmonic progressions, and often doing so in difficult keys. To really play his music authentically, you need a solid command of the bebop language—and many of these students are clearly focused on developing that fluency.
I am confident that both Charles and Sue Mingus (who started this competition 18 years ago) would have been deeply pleased by the seriousness, respect, and imagination these young musicians are bringing to the music. Mingus always encouraged young voices and fearless expression, and it is on full display this year. Big respect to Roberto Ungaro for continuing to steward both Charles’ and his mother Sue’s legacy, and for creating opportunities that challenge and inspire the next generation.”
(next year's application will be live in May/June 2026
Want some FREE Mingus sheet music for yourself or your students?
We are happy to email you the Mingus Festival Jam Packet in your preferred key:
*We’ll also add you to our bimonthly mailing list to keep you updated on events and educational opportunities.
You can unsubscribe at any time and your email will not be shared.
sOME HIGHLIGHTS OF lAST YEAR’S FESTIVAL:
Saturday Mingus Big Band at Joe’s Pub 2 sets, 2 streams
Sunday Mingus Big Band at Joe’s Pub 2 sets, 2 streams. Outstanding soloists from the competition sat in with the band.
“A great experience for our students and insight into the impact Charles Mingus music has made in the jazz world and music in general.”
“It was an honor to play this music and it was deeply gratifying. We had a great time!”
“It has been amazing to see the growth and sophistication that student groups have achieved over the last five years. It’s a tribute to the music of Mingus and to your hard work in making this music accessible to students.”
from PBs Next at the Kennedy Center featuring the Mingus Big Band and artists and educators talking about Mingus music!
Charles Mingus is recognized as a major 20th century composer, whose entire works have been acquired by the Library of Congress - a first for jazz, and a first for an African-American composer. Mingus left behind the largest legacy of composition in American music after Duke Ellington. The Mingus Bands remain devoted to this vast repertoire, and following the artistic vision of Sue Mingus, play to great critical acclaim around the world.
The Mingus Bands are available for concerts, residencies, master classes and commissions.
Donate to Let My Children Hear Music/The Charles Mingus Institute:
Founded by Sue Mingus in 1986, Let My Children Hear Music / The Charles Mingus Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserve and promote the compositional legacy of composer Charles Mingus through publishing, education, archival preservation, and performance.
We provide resources to students, scholars, educators and musicians through publications, performances, master classes, internships, private lessons, community events, and much more. We partner with world-class educational institutions to present New York’s finest musicians as performers, arrangers, and mentors in myriad teaching opportunities. Current projects include tape preservation, living histories, performances, scholarly publications, and widening access to scores for works such as Adagio Ma Non Troppo, Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, and Epitaph.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.
To make a donation, please send a check or money order to the address below or use the DONATE button for Paypal: paypal.me/mingusinstitute or Zelle: education@charlesmingus.org