Unleash Your Musical Potential
Enter the Student Instrument Contest
Submit Your Entry Today
Fill out the form below to enter the John Coltrane Student Instrument Contest. Make sure to review all rules and eligibility requirements before submitting your entry.
Contest Rules and Guidelines
John Coltrane Student Instrument Contest Rules
- Eligibility
- Grade Level: The contest is open to students who will be rising 7-12th graders.
• Past Winners: If you’ve already won a prize in a previous John Coltrane Student Instrument Contest you aren’t eligible to enter.
• Where You Live: The contest is open to students living and going to school in North Carolina.
- Prizes & Winner Responsibilities
- Come to the Festival: We want all the winners to enjoy the festival experience and join in the fun with fellow music lovers! Winners must be present at the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival on the special day to celebrate with us and receive your new instrument.
- Originality and Ownership
- Your Own Work: The essay or video should be something you’ve written, sharing your unique thoughts and feelings about music. This is your chance to show what makes you special!
• Guidance is Okay: Your adults can offer encouragement and help you brainstorm ideas, but the message should reflect your own words and thoughts. You may also have technical help if you submit a video, but what you say and do should be your own voice.
• Sharing Your Story: By submitting your essay, you and your adults agree that we may share your name, part of your essay or video, and some festival photos or videos to inspire others and showcase your amazing story.
Important: Be sure that you and your guardian take a moment to read through these rules before submitting your entry. By submitting, you are agreeing to the guidelines. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by sending an email to [email protected].
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Enter?
Past Winners
If you’ve already won a prize in a previous John Coltrane Student Instrument Contest you aren’t eligible to enter.
Grade Level
The contest is open to students who will be rising 7-12th graders.
Where You Live
Prizes and Responsibilities
Winners of the contest will receive a brand-new instrument to help further their musical journey. In addition to the instrument, winners are invited to attend the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival. This is a special occasion where winners can immerse themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere, connect with fellow music enthusiasts, and celebrate their achievements.
Attendance at the festival is a requirement for all winners, as it is an integral part of the prize experience. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the music community and enjoy a day filled with performances and festivities. We believe that being present at the festival will enhance the winners’ appreciation of their new instruments and the legacy of John Coltrane.
Originality and Ownership
Your Unique Voice
All submissions must be original works created by the students themselves. Whether you choose to submit an essay or a video, it should reflect your personal thoughts and feelings about music. This is your chance to express what makes you unique and to share your story with the world.
While guidance from adults is welcome, it is important that the final submission is in your own words and reflects your individual perspective. By entering the contest, you agree that your submission may be shared to inspire others. We are excited to hear your story and to celebrate your creativity and passion for music.
