The Legacy of the Mandeville High School Jazz Band
The Man Overboard Big Band

The Mandeville High School Jazz Band, known as the Man Overboard Big Band, has long been one of the most exciting ensembles in the Mandeville High School band program. Combining talented student musicians with the rich tradition of big band jazz, the ensemble has built a reputation for musical excellence both locally and nationally.

The jazz band draws its members from students involved in the school’s concert and marching bands. Students perform classic big band repertoire along with contemporary jazz arrangements while developing improvisation skills, musical expression, and ensemble performance techniques.

Through rehearsals, concerts, and festival performances, the group provides students with an opportunity to explore one of America’s most influential musical styles while representing Mandeville High School in the community.

National Recognition

One of the most significant moments in the band’s history came in 2005, when the Mandeville High School Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Only a small number of high school ensembles from across the United States are invited each year, making the performance a major national honor. (Concert Archives)

The performance took place just four months after Hurricane Katrina impacted Southeast Louisiana, making the achievement even more meaningful for the students and directors involved. Despite the challenges faced by the community, the ensemble delivered a performance that highlighted the strength and resilience of the Mandeville music program. (mandevillehighband.org)

Festival Success

The Man Overboard Big Band regularly performs at regional jazz festivals where students receive feedback from professional jazz educators and performers.


The ensemble frequently participates in events such as:

The Loyola Jazz Festival

The Bill Evans Jazz Festival at Southeastern Louisiana University

At these festivals, the band has consistently received Superior ratings, reflecting the high level of musicianship and preparation demonstrated by its members. (mandevillehighband.org)

These experiences allow students to perform alongside other outstanding school ensembles while learning from professional adjudicators and guest clinicians.

Beyond the Classroom

The jazz band is part of the broader Mandeville High School band program, which includes concert bands, percussion ensembles, and marching band. Together these groups perform in concerts, community events, parades, and competitions throughout the year. (mandevillehighband.org)

Continuing the Tradition

Today, the Mandeville High School Jazz Band continues to build on its long tradition of excellence. Each year, new student musicians join the ensemble, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the group while continuing the legacy established by previous generations.

Through dedication, teamwork, and a love of music, the Man Overboard Big Band remains an important part of the artistic life of Mandeville High School and a proud representative of the Skipper band program. 

Assessment Results​

Year             Loyola Jazz Festival             Bill Evans Festival

​2026            I, I, I

​2025            Canceled                                  I, I, I 

2024             I, I, II                                        Did not attend

​​​​TThe Legacy of the Mandeville High School Jazz Band

The Mandeville High School Jazz Band, known as the Man Overboard Big Band, has long been a source of pride for Mandeville High School and the surrounding community. As one of the premier ensembles within the school’s band program, the group represents a tradition of musical excellence, dedication, and student achievement.

The jazz band is part of the larger Mandeville High School band program and draws talented student musicians from across the school’s concert and marching bands. Focusing on the classic big band style, the ensemble performs a wide range of jazz music—from swing standards to modern arrangements—while also encouraging students to develop improvisation and musicianship skills.

Over the years, the Man Overboard Big Band has built a strong reputation through consistent performances at regional jazz festivals and community events. The ensemble regularly participates in competitions and educational festivals across Louisiana, where it frequently earns Superior ratings from adjudicators. These events allow students to perform for professional musicians and clinicians while gaining valuable feedback that helps them grow as performers.

One of the most significant moments in the band’s history came in 2005, when the ensemble was selected to perform at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. The Midwest Clinic is one of the most respected gatherings of music educators and performers in the world, and only a small number of high school ensembles are invited to perform each year. Being chosen to perform at this event placed the Mandeville High School Jazz Band among the top student ensembles in the nation.

The performance carried even greater meaning for the students and directors because it occurred just months after Hurricane Katrina impacted Southeast Louisiana. Despite the challenges the community faced during that time, the band continued preparing and ultimately delivered a performance that showcased the resilience and spirit of the Mandeville High School music program.

In addition to its national recognition, the jazz band remains an active participant in regional festivals such as the Loyola Jazz Festival and the Bill Evans Jazz Festival at Southeastern Louisiana University. These events provide opportunities for students to perform alongside other outstanding school ensembles and continue the program’s tradition of excellence.

Beyond awards and performances, one of the program’s greatest accomplishments is the success of its students. Many members of the jazz band go on to continue their musical education at universities across Louisiana and the United States, while others carry their appreciation for jazz and the arts into their communities and careers.

Today, the Mandeville High School Jazz Band continues to represent the spirit of creativity, teamwork, and musical achievement that defines the school’s band program. Through performances, festivals, and community engagement, the Man Overboard Big Band remains an important part of Mandeville High School’s musical legacy and an inspiring experience for every student who takes the stage.he Man Overboard Big Band is the Jazz Ensemble at Mandeville High School. The Jazz Program at Mandeville has a storied past, including a performance at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois under former director Paul Frechou in 2005, just four months after Hurricane Katrina hit Mandeville.

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