Cotter’s Jazz Festival Brings World-Class Talent to Winona

The 2025 Cotter Schools Jazz Festival, presented by Hurry Back Productions, was a resounding success, drawing students, families, and jazz enthusiasts from across the Midwest for a weekend filled with exceptional music, meaningful learning, and unforgettable performances.

Held April 4–6, the festival united middle and high school jazz bands for a dynamic weekend of performances, hands-on clinics, and in-depth masterclasses. Students had the rare opportunity to learn directly from a team of expert clinicians—including Dean Sorenson, Rich MacDonald, Aaron Lohmeyer, Ben Bussey, and John Greene—and to engage with world-renowned guest artists like Grammy-nominated guitarist Cory Wong. The festival highlighted the transformative power of music education and live jazz to inspire, connect, and elevate student musicians.

Saturday’s performances in the HBP Theater and Academy Theatre at MCA gave audiences a front-row seat to the rising stars of jazz. Throughout the day, student musicians took the stage and received individualized feedback from professional musicians and educators, helping them grow both musically and creatively.

“This is truly a unique and extraordinary opportunity for our students,” said Mary Eileen Fitch, President of Cotter Schools. “The chance to learn from and perform with musicians of this caliber is unparalleled in our region.”

Saturday night’s featured concert, headlined by Cory Wong and his band, delivered on every expectation. The show lit up the HBP Theater with Wong’s signature energy and artistry. Cotter Band Director Andrew Meurer summed up the weekend: “Having Cory Wong as our guest artist elevated this festival to a whole new level. Watching all the students interact with one of the top names in the jazz world, and seeing their inspiration grow throughout the weekend was amazing. The true hope of any music educator is that students continue to play beyond high school, and I think this weekend plays a pivotal role in that hope!”

The festival concluded on Sunday evening with the Cotter Jazz Festival Finale Concert, featuring a collaboration between student musicians and Cory Wong. This free public concert celebrated the weekend’s shared love of jazz and honored the dedication of the educators, artists, and supporters who made it all possible. 

Save the date for the 2026 Jazz Festival, happening April 10-12! This is a fantastic opportunity for high school bands and clinicians in the area to come together and showcase their incredible talents. If you'd like to be part of this exciting event, please reach out to Andy Meurer at ameurer@cotterschools.org to express your interest and get added to our list.