Brand new prize instruments are presented, on stage, to middle and high school students who write the winning essays.  Each year, one of the festival headliners joins the students on stage to encourage them in their studies and give advice for developing a career in music.

The deadline to submit entries for this year’s contest is July 20, 2026. Only students enrolled in North Carolina middle or high schools are eligible to enter the contest. Each entrant should explain what music in general, and jazz specifically, means in their lives; which instrument they would like to win and how a new instrument would help them achieve their goals. Don't forget to submit a photo with all written entries.