improv comedy, literary readings, and musical performances, some of which are sometimes impromptu.
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival is one of the oldest jazz festivals in the nation. It has brought hundreds of high school and college jazz bands from throughout the country and dozens of notable judges and performers such as Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Severinsen, Bobby Shew, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Count Basie Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson, Clark Terry, Cannonball Adderley, Diane Schuur, Marian McPartland, Frank Mantooth and many others to the stage at Hammerschmidt Chapel.
Student, faculty and staff signatures and dates can be seen inside the clock tower in Old Main, some dating back to the founding years of the university's history. It has remained a rare occasion when students are allowed access, and it is a coveted prize to be able to add your own name.
The university was given the original nativity scene from the movie Home Alone, which is displayed each year during the holiday season.
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